Let me briefly outline some of the work the Alliance has been doing in this area.
In May 2003, the Evangelical Alliance and the Afro-Caribbean Evangelical Alliance hosted the GOAL conference. GOAL being an acrostic for Governance, Openness, Accountability and Leadership. This conference gave churches the opportunity to explore ways of working with the charity commission. It also gave the Charity Commission a way of listening to and working with the church. Both needed to hear from each other.
From that venture has sprung ongoing partnership between the Evangelical Alliance, the Afro-Caribbean Evangelical Alliance, Anthony Collins Solicitors and Stewardship Services. Together, these organisations are looking at issues around constitutions, declarations of trust and memoranda and articles.
The Alliance has also been raising issues over charitable purpose and public benefit directly with government because of some concerns that we have. Those concerns centre around whether or not the government is able to assess these issues in a clear and unbiased way. They are not concerns as to whether churches should prove public benefit. Public benefit should be proven by religious organizations – how you measure it is the concern that the Alliance has. Public benefit is not simply measurable in economic or social terms, it is also measurable in spiritual terms and in terms of a sense of belonging, safety, and community that no government can discern or demonstrate solely on statistics and figures.
Having said all that, there are wonderful resources and a great deal of expertise that the Charity Commission can offer to the church. Whether it is a fledgling congregation or an established group of Christians, there are many ways in which they can help.
Obligation or opportunity?
Now let me turn to whether the Charity Commission and its requirements should be seen as an obligation or an opportunity for the Church and for Christian organisations in the UK.
Without a doubt Good governance is an obligation to the church. I am mystified as to how a Christian organisation could question or disagree with the Aims of the Charity Commission. They are clearly stated by the commission:
Aims of Charity Commission
- The Charity Commission is established by law as the regulator and registrar for charities in England and Wales.
- Our aim is to provide the best possible regulation of charities in England and Wales in order to increase charities' effectiveness and public confidence and trust
When one considers the aims of the charity commission, it is clear that a great deal of benefit can be found in working with it.
Good governance is an obligation
Because - the purpose of the Charity Commission, as already stated, is to provide the best regulation and increased effectiveness for charities in England and Wales.
Protection is given to churches and Christian organisations through the Charity Commission. Protection from fraud and protection from allegations of misconduct and misappropriation of funds to name but a few. The legal framework of purpose and benefit, as well as regulation, structure and accountability that the Charity Commission present are to be seen as helpful things, not hindrances. They provide a strong boundary within which the Church and Christian charities can work. They show those who give, or volunteer or help that the charity or church can be trusted and is not afraid of inspection or question.
For that reason, the church should welcome partnership with the Charity Commission as an opportunity for witness and for stronger working. Through working with the Charity Commission, rather than running from it, the Church can be more effective and clearer in its own purpose and objective. There are some caveats that we need to note a little later on the issue of partnership – but we will come to that at the end of my time with you today.
Work with the Charity Commission is also an obligation because:
Christian organisations get it wrong
- Gilbert Deya Ministries
- Kingsway International Christian Centre
- Victory Outreach Centre
- St Thomas Crooke’s, Sheffield.
