Ownership of religious buildings, such as churches, mosques, temples, synagogues, chapels and other buildings or meeting places used for religious purposes, can sit with individuals, groups of trustees, or holding bodies. If there is a dispute over the ownership of a religious building our experienced team of solicitors work in partnership with you to resolve the dispute as efficiently and effectively as possible. We provide advice and support through the process, through to resolution through mediation or representation in court proceedings.
We also provide advice and support on the use of religious buildings, their management and disposal. The Equality Act generally prevents a person or organisation in control of a building discriminating against a person or group wanting to use those premises. This includes who you rent them to, whether on a long- or short-term let and who you sell them to.
There is an exemption under the Act that could allow a church or other religious building to refuse to let or sell its premises to some people or groups. However, if the decision was challenged, the church or other religious building would have to show that the exemption had been satisfied.
At Anthony Collins Solicitors, we use our extensive sector knowledge to take a sensitive approach to advising faith-based charities on the use of their religious building, whether a church, mosque, temple, synagogue, chapel or other buildings or meeting place used for religious purposes, including:
For further information, please contact Dominic Curran or read more here about how we can help faith-based charities with property trusts and permanent endowment.
This month we discuss the Charity Commission’s latest news bulletin, details required by Companies House, prize and sales limits for society lotteries and the public benefit requirement for charities.
This month we discuss the Charity Commission statement on implications for charities in light of the invasion of Ukraine, safeguarding concerns, the Spring Statement and de-registration of a charity.
This month we consider the Charities Act 2022, Charity Commission inquiries, police investigations and Covid-19 guidance.
This year looks set to be a challenging time for the charity sector as we navigate another year with Covid-19, increasing demands from beneficiaries and an expected reduction in public donations
Recent Charity Commission inquiries and their implications for trustees, updates to guidance on volunteering and safeguarding and the steps you can take to prevent your charity falling victim to fraud
This month we will be considering the impact of the Autumn Budget and Spending Review on the charity sector, trustee good practice concerning benefits and net carbon zero plans.
Recent changes to government Covid-19 guidance in England and Wales has led to some key developments for the voluntary sector, particularly as charities look towards the winter months.
The monthly round-up from the Anthony Collins Solicitors charities team.
The monthly round-up from the Anthony Collins Solicitors charities team.
The monthly round-up from the Anthony Collins Solicitors charities team.
