The latter, from it

[jacob123]

Does "latter" refer to "those" or does it refer to "Church"? Does "it" refer to "psychiyc research" or does it refer to "religion"?

The Spiritualists, both of Great Britain and of other countries, may be divided into those who still remain in their respective Churches, and those who have formed a Church of their own. The latter have in Great Britain some four hundred meeting-places under the general direction of the Spiritualists' National

In another place * the author has pointed out that though psychical research in itself may be quite distinct from religion, the deductions which we may draw from it and the lessons we may learn, "Teach us of the continued life of the soul, of the nature of that life, and of how it is influenced by our conduct here. If this is distinct from religion, I must confess that I do not understand the distinction.

"The History of Spiritualism," by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

[GoesStation]

He lists two groups of spiritualists. Which one is "the latter"?

[emsr2d2]

"The latter" always refers to the last (or second in a list of two) item in a list. It doesn't have to be just one word. The sentence shows that The Spiritualists are divided into two camps, and those two are then described. With that in mind, what do you think "the latter" refers to?

(Cross-posted with GoesStation)

[jacob123]

I think it refer to "those who have formed a Church of their own".
and what about "it". I think it refer to "psychical research". am I correct?

[jacob123]

I think it refer to "psychical research". am I correct?

[emsr2d2]

I think it refers to "those who have formed a Church of their own".

You're right.

[emsr2d2]

I think "it" refers to "psychical research". Am I correct?

Yes.