Please read our response to an important consultation for Christian Charities.
The Charities Act 2006 removed the legal presumption that charities established for the advancement of religion have purposes that are for the public benefit. ‘Public benefit’ is not defined in the Charities Act 2006 and it has specifically been left to the Charity Commission to consult on the matter. Christian charities will now have to prove their ‘public benefit’ to the Charity Commission. It is of concern that the Charity Commission has said it will interpret ‘public benefit’ in the light of ‘modern conditions’ and what this could mean for Christian charities that exist for evangelism or which promote traditional Christian teaching on family and life issues
Although the Consultation period ends on 6th June we would still encourage you to write to the Charity Commission with any concerns you may have as this will demonstrate to them the depth of concern amongst Christian charities.
The address for the Charity Commission is Charity Commission Direct,
PO Box 1227, Liverpool, L69 3UG or
Andrea Minichiello Williams
LCF Public Policy Officer
0771 2591164
http://www.christianconcernforournation.co.uk