This application form is to be used if all of the following statements apply:
Your church has been in existence for less than 10 years; and Your church does not own or rent any property; and Your church has no existing governing documents (trust deed, constitution or church ‘rules’) If these statements do not apply then this isn’t the right application form for your needs. Please return to our website and choose the application form entitled Registration of an established church.
Updated 09.12 Charity Formation web
charity formation registration of a new church
Introduction
Stewardship offers a service assisting churches and Christian Fellowships in the formation and registration with the Charity Commission of charities. Such bodies have a basic obligation to register with the Commission once the annual income exceeds £5,000 unless specifically excepted under the Charities Acts. Churches within the following denominations are generally excepted from the requirement to register: The Methodist Church, Baptist and Congregational churches, Independent churches affiliated to the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC), The Presbyterian Church of Wales, The Church of England, The Church in Wales, The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), The United Reformed Church. However, from October 2008 those with an annual income of over £100,000 have been required to register. This service is delivered in association with Anthony Collins Solicitors, a specialist firm of solicitors, which has extensive experience of working with churches and Christian charities.
Features of our service
1. Advice on the most appropriate legal structure for the charity. This will often be in the form of a Trust Deed. For larger, more complex charities or those with higher risks a charitable company limited by guarantee may be more appropriate. This provides greater protection to trustees personally but is a slightly more