Section A – Introduction
Methodist Model Trust property can be used by another Christian church or congregation for non-Methodist services and meetings for public religious worship separately to the Methodist congregation under Model Trust 14(2A), Model Trust 14(1) and in conjunction with Standing Order 920. However, before allowing another Christian church or congregation to use their property for such purposes, Managing Trustees must first obtain the consent of the Methodist Council. This guidance note refers to this consent as “Schedule 14a Consent” taking the name of the form used to apply for it. To assist Managing Trustees in fulfilling the requirements under the Model Trusts and Standing Orders , the underlying requirements are set out in the flow chart in Section B (Schedule 14a Flow Chart) and the steps to be followed are set out in the process chart in Section C (Schedule 14a Process Chart).
Please use this Schedule 14a Flow Chart and Process Chart for use of Methodist property under Model Trust 14(2A) only. This is use of Model Trust property by another Christian church or congregation that is separate to ongoing public Methodist worship and does not constitute a joint service or meeting.
Please note that once given, consent under Schedule 14a lasts for 12 months only. Once the 12 months has expired, new consent will be required and must be applied for with a fresh Schedule 14a. The Managing Trustees would also need to enter into a new licence or booking form.
Please refer to Section D of this guidance note for links to the further guidance and documents that are available on licences in general and use under Model Trust 14(2A) in particular.
Section B – Schedule 14a Flow Chart
The Schedule 14a Flow Chart aims to help Managing Trustees to identify whether Schedule 14a Consent is required. If Managing Trustees are unsure as to whether a proposed activity constitutes “worship”, queries should be directed to the Secretary of the Faith and Order Committee. The Schedule 14a Flow Chart assists Managing Trustees in identifying whether the underlying requirements have been met before Schedule 14a Consent can be requested. In summary, these requirements are:
- Use will be on the basis of a licence and NOT a lease (the other Christian church or congregation will not have exclusive use of the property)
- The Church Council agree to use by the Christian church or congregation in principle
- The Superintendent agrees to the proposals
Download the above chart as a pdf file
Section C – Schedule 14a Process Chart
1. | Prepare a licence or booking form setting out the terms on which the Group can use the property.
A standard form of licence for use of premises for Christian worship (Worship Licence), for regular but part-time, non-exclusive use, is available. It has the deemed approval of the Connexional Team under Standing Order 931(3) if used without amendment. This is available on TMCP’s website.
A template booking form for use of premises for Christian worship (Worship Booking Form), for one-off or very occasional use, is also available. It reflects best practice and has the deemed approval of the Connexional Team if used without amendment. This is available on TMCP’s website.
Managing Trustees may find the Licence Flow Chart and the Licence Guidance 1 – When to Use the Standard Licence helpful if they are unsure as to whether to proceed with a licence or booking form.
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2. | Prepare the Application Schedule 14a available from the Methodist Church’s website at: https://www.methodist.org.uk/our-work/building-relationships/relationships-with-other-denominations/resources-and-information/resources/sharing-of-buildings/ => Proceed to Step 3 |
3. | Check with the District whether they want to see the Schedule 14a before it is submitted for consideration on behalf of the Methodist Council (step 4).
=> If they do not, proceed straight to Step 4
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4. | Prepare and submit the documents listed at (A) and (B) below to the Connexional Ecumenical Officer or in his/her absence the Assistant Secretary of the Conference at Methodist Church House, 25 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5JR or email: eo@methodistchurch.org.uk so that Methodist Council consent to use of the property by the Group can be considered:
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5. | The Managing Trustees can now enter into the agreed form of licence (or booking form) and allow the Group to use the property. Managing Trustees need to:
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6. | Managing Trustees need to have regard to their ongoing responsibilities:
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7. | To enable a Group to continue using the premises, after expiry of the original Schedule 14a Consent or for another occasion of one-off use, the Managing Trustees will need to obtain the consent of the Methodist Council once again (by submitting a new Schedule 14a).
Accordingly please use the Schedule 14a Flow Chart to check that the underlying requirements have been met and then follow Steps 1 to 5 allowing sufficient time for Schedule 14a Consent and any approvals to the form of licence/ booking form to be obtained, before the Group next wish to meet following expiry of the existing licence (or the anniversary of the date of the original Schedule 14a Consent if earlier).
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Section D - Further Guidance
Managing Trustees may find the following guidance notes and documents of assistance:
- Standard form of licence for use of premises for Christian worship
- Template booking form for use of premises for Christian worship
- Licence and Booking Form for Use of Premises for Christian Worship Document Guide
- Licence Flow Chart
- Licence Guidance 1 - When to Use the Standard Licence
- Licence Guidance 2 - Completing the Standard Licence
- Licence Guidance 3 – The Standard Licence Explained
Disclaimer
Please note that this document is to provide guidance and assistance to Managing Trustees and their professional advisers. This guidance note is general in nature, may not reflect all recent legal developments and may not apply to the specific facts and circumstances of any particular matter.
Also note that nothing within the documents and guidance notes provided by TMCP nor any receipt or use of such information, should be construed or relied on as advertising or soliciting to provide any legal services. Nor does it create any solicitor-client relationship or provide any legal representation, advice or opinion whatsoever on behalf of TMCP or its employees.
Accordingly, neither TMCP nor its employees accept any responsibility for use of this document or action taken as a result of information provided in it.
Please remember that Managing Trustees need to take advice that is specific to the situation at hand. This document is not legal advice and is no substitute for such advice from Managing Trustees' own legal advisers. |