May 2004 Department of Phenomenal Evidence Report
By The Revs. Tom and Lisa Butler, NST

Statistical Corroboration of Psychic Abilities. Jessica Utts is the author of Seeing Through Statistics.” She recently gave a talk at the University of California, Davis, in which she discussed the surprising degree that scientific testing corroborates the existence of certain psychic abilities. Utts has appeared on numerous television programs, including 20/20, Larry King Live and Nightline. She is an authority on statistical issues related to parapsychology and was involved with a panel in the 1990s that made an assessment of the CIA’s Star Gate program. The Star Gate program investigated possible uses for extrasensory perception. The panel’s conclusion was that the experiments had shown statistically significant evidence that could support the existence of psychic abilities. Utts calls the results intriguing and said, “If similar data had been obtained in a less controversial area, there would be no problem with accepting that the phenomena were real.”

Statistical Testing of Mediums. Tricia Robertson and Archie Roy have spent the past five years statistically testing the skeptical hypothesis that, “All medium’s statements are so general that they could apply to anyone.” One experiment was carried out using 440 participants and 10 mediums. The data showed that the odds against chance that the skeptical hypothesis was correct were millions to one. Subsequent experiments were done under strict protocol that eliminated body language, verbal responses and many other factors. Tricia Robertson told The Psi Review that, “We maintain that we have a repeatable experiment, providing the protocol is adhered to and good mediums are used.” From: www.sspr.org.uk/overview_3.htm

Comment: An experimental difficulty experienced by most psi researchers is that the human factor is difficult, if not impossible, to quantify or standardize. We know of no way to make the term, “good mediums,” measurable over a broad population. Even a person known to be a reliable medium, is capable of having a “bad day.”

Debate on Telepathy. The Royal Society of Arts in London was the scene of a debate between Lewis Wolpert, a well known British spokesperson for science and Rupert Sheldrake, biologist and author of Dogs that Know When Their Owners are Coming Home, and Other Unexplained Powers of Animals, over the existence of telepathy. Past DPE reports have covered many of the ideas of Sheldrake.

Sheldrake presented some of his own research. This included information on people knowing who is going to phone them, on dogs knowing when their owners are coming home and on the telepathic bond between a woman and her parrot. He told the audience that billions of people have had these types of experiences.

Wolpert called telepathy a “pathological science” based on tiny, unrepeatable effects backed up by fantastic theories and said that, “An open mind is a very bad thing – everything falls out.”

The audience seemed to side with Sheldrake. One woman voiced the opinion of many in the audience who felt Wolpert did not know the evidence, and many in the audience said that they felt Wolpert was “unscientific.”

From: Audience charmed by the Paranormal by John Whitfield, Nature News Service/ Macmillan Magazines Ltd. 2004

Demonstration of Mediumship on British Television Violates Broadcast Code. The Independent Television Commission (ITC), which is now Ofcom (Office of Communications), has determined that “Crossing Over,” with the American Medium John Edwards and “6th Sense,” with the British Medium Colin Fry, are in breach of its Programs Code. The ITC further stated that the programs which mediums “purported to be making contact with the spirit world and passing on messages to members of the studio audience” - were in breach of section 1-10 of the Commissions Program Code. The actual code states:

1.10 The Occult and ‘Psychic’ Practices
Actual demonstrations of exorcisms and occult practices such as those involving supposed contact with spirits or the dead, are not acceptable in factual programming except in the context of a legitimate investigation. They should not, in any case, be shown before the watershed.

Horoscopes, palmistry and similar ‘psychic’ practices are only acceptable where they are presented as entertainment or are the subject of legitimate investigation. They should not include specific advice to particular contributors or viewers about health or medical matters or about personal finance. They should not be included at times when large numbers of children are expected to be watching.

Fiction programs containing ‘psychic’ phenomena should not normally be scheduled before the watershed, although a fantasy setting, for example, may justify such scheduling.

From: January 2004 Psychic World and www.geocities.com/christopher_connelly where you can download a “We demand justice” Petition.

Comment: This is clearly a “Freedom of Religion” issue that is not restricted to the UK, for it seems clear that the thinking which has made such rules possible overseas likely exist in the USA. We also note that the phrase, “… except in the context of a legitimate investigation,” leaves the determination of what is and is not a “legitimate investigation” open for interpretation. As investigators, we know that any poorly understood phenomenon is subject to a struggle between establish thought and new evidence as the dominant paradigm is challenged and eventually changed. OfCom’s Rule 1-10 potentially makes it difficult for the British to demonstrate the principles of Spiritualism in a public forum and helps to assure that only “scientists” are able to present a case for or against survival.

Father Calls after Dying. The Rev’s Betty and Don Nauratil, co-pastors of the Spiritualist Church of Two Worlds in San Leandro, CA had been helping a friend whose husband was making his transition. The time was close and the man’s three sons came to be by his side. He crossed to the other side at 9:33 in the morning. The family was together and talking at 10:05 when one of the son’s cell phone rang. The cell phone displayed the Fathers cell phone number. Shocked the son quickly disconnected the call.

The family went to the kitchen as they remember placing the fathers turned off cell phone there. The phone was located and was indeed turned off and there was no one else in the house. Just as they had located the phone the second son’s cell phone rang. Once again the Father’s cell phone number was displayed. This time the son picked up the call and stayed on the line. All that could be heard was static or white noise.

Although the family does not belong to the Spiritualist church, they have learned many Spiritualist concepts from their friends the Rev’s Nauratil. The wife called Betty and Don to tell them of this phenomenal occurrence. For many, the experience could have been frightening but because of this families knowledge the event was seen as a confirmation of life after physical death.

Conference in Reno Nevada. There is still time to sign up for the conference, “Communicating with the Other Side,” hosted by the American Association of Electronic Voice Phenomena (AA-EVP) June 3-6 in Reno, NV. Learn how to record EVP through lectures and hands on workshops. Participants will also be given the opportunity to attend several personal development classes that will help develop ones own psychic ability. Presentations on ITC include how one can set up to receive pictures from those in spirit and how two-way communication can be achieved through radios. For conference information, registration and costs go to http://aaevp.com and click on 2004 AA-EVP Conference. You can also write to PO Box 13111, Reno, NV 89507.
 

Please send information about phenomena in your church, life or community to the DPE, Tom and Lisa Butler, PO Box 13111, Reno, Nevada 89507, or via email to phenomena@nsac.org . Your donations to the DPE, same address, are tax exempt and will help fund our work in the department.