Christians welcome legacy pledges from party leaders

Christians have welcomed political support for a new campaign encouraging people to leave 10 per cent of their estate to charity.

The Legacy 10 campaign has received the backing of the three main political party leaders, as well as high profile business figures like Richard Branson and Marks and Spencer chairman Lord Myners.

Christian Legacy, a consortium of Christian charities, welcomed the change to inheritance tax law which will introduce a tax cut to everyone who leaves 10 per cent of their estate to charitable or cultural causes.

The inheritance tax cut is due to come into force in April and will lower their tax obligation from 40 per cent to 36 per cent.

"It’s encouraging that Government leaders are helping us to consider leaving legacies that will bless others," said Andrew McCracken, the UK director of consortium member Tearfund.

"I believe that everything I have is a gift from God, and I know that many people in the UK want to use some of what we have to bless others who are in need."

Nia Short from Care for the Family added: "At this difficult economic time, Christians may feel unable to give but making a will is a way to ensure that the money God entrusts to you will provide for family, friends and also support causes close to your heart."

According to a 2009 survey by Christian Legacy, only 17 per cent of churches in the UK were teaching on legacy giving.

A similar survey last year found that this had increased to 22 per cent, suggesting that churches are increasingly realising the importance of teaching on stewardship and giving.

The consortium has produced a free resource pack, Tomorrow's Harvest, to help church leaders teach on legacies and the concept of living a life that has eternal value.

It tells the story of Hattie May Wiatt, a child whose small legacy became the starting point of a church, two hospitals and a university.

Tomorrow's Harvest is available to download at www.christianlegacy.org.uk