No litigation risk to church elders

As with all organisations who claim charitable status all churches have been given a charity number.

According to the Charities Act and the Charities Commission for Northern Ireland the management or those who are responsible for the oversight of a charity are required to become the trustees.

Each Presbyterian church is governed by ruling elders who as well as being responsible for the spiritual and pastoral care of the congregation already have the responsibility of ensuring the their congregational committee operates proper accounting systems and independent audit of all money and take care of church property.

To become a trustee is a requirement as set out by the Charity Commission and the Code of the Presbyterian. This elder seems to have a fear of litigation but if all the systems of accounting, auditing and good governance is in practice there should be no risk at all.

All elders are accountable to their congregation, presbytery and the General Assembly.

He mentioned other churches but they may have a different type of management and I have no doubt will have proper controls in place otherwise they will not have charitable status.

My advice to all who have charitable status is to read carefully what is set out in legislation as set out by the Charities Act and the Charities Commission. Always read the small print before making decisions.

M Kelly (Presbyterian), Co Tyrone