Use of Church Premises by other Christian Denominations
It is not permitted to lease Model Trust premises (Church Premises) to other denominations for religious purposes. However, Model Trust 14(2A), Model Trust 14(1) and Standing Order 920 allows licensing of Model Trust premises (Church Premises) to another denomination for a single event or for regular events up to a maximum of 12 months.
- This permission is renewable.
- Such use assumes continuing Methodist use of the premises.
- Either side can terminate the license at any time.
To obtain approval for such a license, the managing trustees (The Church Council) must complete schedule 14a. If the denomination has not previously obtained a license to use Model Trust premises, then a copy of their doctrinal statement should be enclosed.
If the applicant for the license is a known denomination (eg a member of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland) then the application should be straightforward and would not normally require a doctrinal statement. A conversation with Governance Support should help you decide whether this is necessary.
If the denomination is not previously known to the Methodist Church, the decision is made at the discretion of the Ecumenical Officer, if necessary in consultation with the Faith and Order Committee.
A license for worship by non-Christian faiths is not permitted on Model Trust premises.
The following Resources may be of assistance:
- Schedule 14a Flow Chart and Process Chart - to explain the process that needs to be followed before another Christian church or congregation will be permitted to use the premises for worship under Model Trust 14(2A)
- Schedule 14a Application Form
- Standard Form of Licence for Use of Premises for Christian Worship) — standard form of licence for regular but part-time, non-exclusive use of Methodist premises by another Christian church or congregation under Model Trust 14(2A)
- Template Booking Form for Use of Premises for Christian Worship) — template booking form for one-off or very occasional use of Methodist premises by another Christian church or congregation under Model Trust 14(2A)
- Licence and Booking Form for Use of Premises for Christian Worship Document Guide - for guidance on use of the specific forms of worship licence and booking form
If Managing Trustees would like any further guidance on the processes involved or the standard documents please contact TMCP Legal.
If Managing Trustees would like guidance on the statement of beliefs or the Schedule 14a please contact the Connexional Ecumenical Officer who will refer your query to the Faith & Order Committee if necessary.
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Please visit www.tmcp.org.uk for further information, guidance notes and schedules.
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