Concern over 'Public Benefit' Test of Christian Charities

The Lawyers' Christian Fellowship (LCF) and its partner group Christian Concern for Our Nation (CCFON) have voiced concern over the implications of ongoing Government consultations which call into question the 'public benefit' of Christian charities.

Under the Charities Act 2006, it can no longer be presumed that the services of charities working to advance religion have a public benefit.

Instead, the Government is proposing that every charity prove its public benefit on a yearly basis.

Groups failing to satisfy Government officials of their public benefit could lose their entitlement to Registered Charity status as well a number of financial benefits such as recovering tax on donations through Gift Aid.

The LCF and CCFON are urging churches and Christians organisations to express their concern over the Government's review of the public benefit of Christian charities.

There are a number of consultations currently being conducted by the Office of the Third Sector, the Ministry of Justice and the Charity Commission assessing various aspects of public benefit.

"The LCF/CCFON is encouraging church leaders and trustees of Christian organisations to write to the Office of the Third Sector/Charity Commission/Ministry of Justice and respond to the consultations, particularly those on public benefit matters, to demonstrate the depth of concern amongst Christian charities," the LCF said.