7,094. That’s the number of direct debits that Oxfam reported cancelled in the wake of the Haiti scandal. Minnie Driver and Archbishop Desmond Tutu both removed their support from the charity, and for days on end politicians and the media lined up to air their public criticism.
Homeward bound on a Wednesday evening I headed out of my local train station aiming for the tram stop straight ahead. In between me and the exit were a couple of ‘chuggers’- or ‘charity muggers’ - so called, because of the enthusiastic way they try to engage in conversation and sign you up to a very worthy cause. Different to the costume-wearing volunteers who stand optimistically shaking a tin on street corners, these guys are seriously bold, salesy and persistent.
A good church is made up of a number of ingredients, but a key one—often overlooked—is the need for good trustees. Good trusteeship is much more than a legal requirement or title and more than a ‘rubber stamp’ for decisions taken elsewhere.
In Share 32, we referenced a number of briefing papers and blogs for further reading. You'll find links to them inside.
Sometimes just you have to admit defeat. For me, many of those times seem to come around Christmas. The whole month is a blur of work, school, church, carol concerts, school concerts, work dos, decorating, cleaning and preparing for and hosting visiting family. I learnt long ago that I was powerless to stop it.
If you're looking into how you can support the persecuted Church worldwide, the charities listed below are a good place to start.
Law firm, Anthony Collins have issued a warning to churches who let their premises to other organisations and community groups, to take care not to unwittingly allow an occupants to gain a protected business tenancy. Just giving them an agreement that is said to be a ‘License’ to occupy is not sufficient. It is the reality of the situation that is important.
"The charity that I am involved with appears to have run its course. What should I consider as I set about closing it down?"
blogs by the Stewardship team and selected guest writers.
Stewardship is the operating name of Stewardship Services (UKET) Limited. Established in 1906.
Registered charity no. 234714, and a company limited by guarantee, registered in England no. 90305.
Registered office: 1 Lamb's Passage, London EC1Y 8AB
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