Which section of the Charities Act 2011 provides guidance as to what is meant by religion?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is In the Charities Act 2011 of the United Kingdom, the definition of religion and what constitutes a charitable purpose under the category of religion is provided in Section 3(2). This section outlines what is meant by religion for the purposes of the Act, including the advancement of religion as one of the descriptions of charitable purposes.

Section 3(2) of the Charities Act 2011 states:

"(2) In this section “religion” includes—
(a) a religion which involves belief in more than one god, and
(b) a religion which does not involve belief in a god."

This definition is intentionally broad and inclusive, recognizing that religion can encompass a wide range of faiths and belief systems, including polytheistic religions and non-theistic religious philosophies. The Act does not provide an exhaustive list of what constitutes a religion but instead allows for a broad interpretation that can accommodate various forms of religious expression.

It is important to note that for a religious organization to be considered a charity under the Charities Act 2011, it must also demonstrate that it provides public benefit, as required by the Act's provisions on charitable purposes and public benefit.

Which Section of the Charities Act 2011 Provides Guidance as to What