CARE, or the Congregational Association of Religious Expression, was founded by the Reverend Bernard F. Baker, CST and incorporated in December 1999. The Reverend Bernard F. Baker, CST had earned all credentials from another Spiritualist organization. He faithfully served in many positions within that organization, including being a member of the Board of Trustees. As time progressed, his understanding of organizational structure changed. He became more open-minded and believed it was time for a Spiritualist organization to be structured in a congregational manner, not a hierarchical manner. After several years of thought and preparation, he began the organization known to us as CARE.

CARE does not offer a different Spiritualism. CARE does offer a broader approach to Spiritualism and its many purposes. CARE is much more than a church; it is its individual and collective members working together for the greater good of the whole. It is an organization of churches and individuals that have a common desire for fellowship with like-minded people.

CARE stresses the necessary education of all people regarding their spiritual progression. With spiritual progression as our foundation, we have an Educational Course available for those who seek a greater knowledge on the subject of Spiritualism as a Philosophy, Religion and Science. By studying our Educational Course and meeting all the criteria, an individual can attain credentials as an Ordained Minister, Congregational Spiritualist Teacher, Associate Minister, Medium and Spiritual Healer.

We are a tax-exempt IRS 501 (c)(3) status organization. which means that all donations are tax deductible. We have been incorporated under the law as a congregational religious structure. This permits direct members and auxiliary groups the freedom to make their own decisions without any repercussions from the CARE Board of Directors. This means that the members have the freedom and the right to worship as they choose, and to accept concepts that make sense to them. Being able to be true to one’s own feelings and beliefs is important to us. That is one of the strongest reasons why CARE was started. CARE does allow individuals and member groups to follow their own special beliefs, while being true to the Spiritualist philosophy and beliefs. Our concept is true freedom of religion. CARE is not a church; it is rather a chartering organization for other churches, camps and groups. CARE offers direct membership to those who feel they want to belong and be involved in the association and do not have a local church with which to affiliate.

CARE allows membership in other religious denominations. The reason for this is very simple, we sincerely believe in the rights of each person to practice religion in the way he or she feels is right. In other words, true freedom of religion! CARE continues to believe that in this millennium the old timeworn and restrictive practices are no longer appropriate. We believe that it is not necessary to maintain a restrictive hold on our membership; of course CARE is not alone in such a philosophy.

CARE has its own statement of beliefs, which we call our Spiritual Precepts.

1. We believe in God.
   
2. We believe that all in the seen and unseen worlds is God in manifestation.
   
3. We believe that living in accordance with God’s Spiritual and Natural Law will reveal our divine purpose.
   
4. We believe in the continuous existence of the soul.
   
5. We believe in communication with the Spirit World.
   
6. We believe in Personal Responsibility.
   
7. We believe in Eternal Progression for every soul.