--- title: "Civil society, charities and governance" date: 2021-04-07T11:33:00+01:00 author: Tim Coysh canonical_url: "https://www.eauk.org/what-we-do/advocacy/civil-society-and-charities" section: Pages --- Churches and charities play a vital role in our society; they exist and serve in a space which the public sector cannot reach, or is not their role. Charities are a crucial part of civil society, and we want to see the Government support and facilitate their work. Civil society includes a wide range of organisations, including churches, that are not part of the public sector or business world. Civil society institutions are distinct from state bodies and are often referred to as ​‘mediating institutions’ and are essential for a healthy society. We want to see healthy organisations serving the good of society, and this means working for excellent governance and leadership, with robust safeguarding systems. The Charity Commission operates to support charities, and we want to facilitate their work in allowing civil society to flourish. In UK law, ​‘the advancement of religion’ is recognised as a charitable purpose. Therefore, a church’s charitable status is rooted in their core religious activity as well as the social benefit that they bring to their community. There has been, and likely will be, further pressure for charities not rely on their faith for charitable status, and this is something we will continue to argue against. The contribution of churches to the spiritual welfare of our country is vital and should be protected. Therefore, the Evangelical Alliance speaks on behalf of our member churches and organisations, which are a vital part of civil society, representing them to government. We also seek to encourage our members to go above and beyond in following the relevant regulations and laws, and work to sustain a positive relationship between government and Christian civil society. *“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”* – *1 Peter 2:12* [ ![UK Covid Inquiry invites evangelicals to share experiences in new campaign](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Esm hero image](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/esm-hero-image.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/uk-covid-inquiry-invites-evangelicals-to-share-experiences-in-new-campaign) [#### UK Covid Inquiry invites evangelicals to share experiences in new campaign ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/uk-covid-inquiry-invites-evangelicals-to-share-experiences-in-new-campaign) A key opportunity for churches and community leaders to share how the pandemic affected you and those in your community [ ![Alicia Edmund](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/alicia-edmund) [ Alicia Edmund ](/author/alicia-edmund) 13 July 2023 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/uk-covid-inquiry-invites-evangelicals-to-share-experiences-in-new-campaign) [ ![Review calls on government to improve engagement with faith groups](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![I Stock 1069932824](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/iStock-1069932824.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/review-calls-on-government-to-improve-engagement-with-faith-groups) [#### Review calls on government to improve engagement with faith groups ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/review-calls-on-government-to-improve-engagement-with-faith-groups) Among the recommendations are calls for a new national faith champion and faith literacy training for all working in the public sector [ ![Danny Webster](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/danny-webster) [ Danny Webster ](/author/danny-webster) 26 April 2023 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/review-calls-on-government-to-improve-engagement-with-faith-groups) [ ![30 years on from the death of Stephen Lawrence - there is still much work to do](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Police car](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/Police-car.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/30-years-on-from-the-death-of-stephen-lawrence-there-is-still-much-work-to-do) [#### 30 years on from the death of Stephen Lawrence - there is still much work to do ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/30-years-on-from-the-death-of-stephen-lawrence-there-is-still-much-work-to-do) Over the past three decades evangelicals have been at the forefront of advocating for change in policing that serves everyone and is not marred by racism. [ ![Danny Webster](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/danny-webster) [ Danny Webster ](/author/danny-webster) 19 April 2023 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/30-years-on-from-the-death-of-stephen-lawrence-there-is-still-much-work-to-do) [ ![ChurchWorks summit: exploring how the church can tackle the big issues](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Churchworks November Summit](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/P1044991.jpeg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/churchworks-summit-how-can-the-church-work-together-to-tackle-societys-biggest-issues) [#### ChurchWorks summit: exploring how the church can tackle the big issues ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/churchworks-summit-how-can-the-church-work-together-to-tackle-societys-biggest-issues) It’s time for the church and government to think and act collaboratively in addressing issues relating to wellbeing, family and the cost of living crisis [ ![Nicola Martin](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/nicola-martin) [ Nicola Martin ](/author/nicola-martin) 25 November 2022 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/churchworks-summit-how-can-the-church-work-together-to-tackle-societys-biggest-issues) [ ![Hope for today: partnership response in times of crisis](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Hannah busing Zyx1b K9mqm A unsplash](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/hannah-busing-Zyx1bK9mqmA-unsplash_2022-10-31-152119_auqm.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/hope-for-today-partnership-response-in-times-of-crisis) [#### Hope for today: partnership response in times of crisis ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/hope-for-today-partnership-response-in-times-of-crisis) Be informed and inspired by the work of Dorset-based charity Faithworks as they respond to the varying needs of their community [ ![Alistair Doxat-Purser](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/alistair-doxat-purser) [ Alistair Doxat-Purser ](/author/alistair-doxat-purser) 31 October 2022 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/hope-for-today-partnership-response-in-times-of-crisis) [ ![Church leaders, here's how to work with MPs, mayors and more](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![I Stock 166022769](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/iStock-166022769_2022-11-01-123851_bjon.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/church-leader-heres-how-to-work-with-your-elected-representatives) [#### Church leaders, here's how to work with MPs, mayors and more ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/church-leader-heres-how-to-work-with-your-elected-representatives) Mark Cowling explains how we can create stronger working relationships with our MPs, MLAs, MSs, MSPs, mayors and councillors [ ![Mark Cowling](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/mark-cowling) [ Mark Cowling ](/author/mark-cowling) 31 October 2022 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/church-leader-heres-how-to-work-with-your-elected-representatives) [ ![Finding hope through the weekly grocery shop](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Food Bank](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/joel-muniz-3k3l2brxmwQ-unsplash.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/finding-hope-through-the-weekly-grocery-shop) [#### Finding hope through the weekly grocery shop ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/finding-hope-through-the-weekly-grocery-shop) Danielle Campsall from the Message Trust shares how their community grocery project has seen lives transformed through the hope of Jesus [ ![Danielle Campsall](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/danielle-campsall) [ Danielle Campsall ](/author/danielle-campsall) 31 October 2022 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/finding-hope-through-the-weekly-grocery-shop) [ ![I believe the church can restore hope in this crisis – here’s how](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Pexels brett sayles 1343325](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/History/pexels-brett-sayles-1343325.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/i-believe-the-church-can-restore-hope-in-this-crisis-heres-how) [#### I believe the church can restore hope in this crisis – here’s how ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/i-believe-the-church-can-restore-hope-in-this-crisis-heres-how) Natalie Williams encourages us to respond locally to the cost of living crisis [ ![Natalie Williams](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/natalie-williams) [ Natalie Williams ](/author/natalie-williams) 31 October 2022 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/i-believe-the-church-can-restore-hope-in-this-crisis-heres-how) [ ![Cost of living crisis: share your experience of supporting others](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![I Stock 990947798](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/iStock-990947798.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/share-your-experience-of-supporting-others-through-the-cost-of-living-crisis) [#### Cost of living crisis: share your experience of supporting others ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/share-your-experience-of-supporting-others-through-the-cost-of-living-crisis) We’d like to hear stories from our members who are meeting the needs of local people [ ![Nicola Martin](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/nicola-martin) [ Nicola Martin ](/author/nicola-martin) 05 September 2022 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/share-your-experience-of-supporting-others-through-the-cost-of-living-crisis) [ ![Government minister: faith communities vital to pandemic recovery](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Zoom call stock image](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/compare-fibre-fRGoTJFQAHM-unsplash.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/government-minister-faith-communities-are-vital-to-pandemic-recovery) [#### Government minister: faith communities vital to pandemic recovery ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/government-minister-faith-communities-are-vital-to-pandemic-recovery) Government and Christian leaders discussed the church’s role in Covid recovery at first ChurchWorks summit [ ![Alicia Edmund](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/alicia-edmund) [ Alicia Edmund ](/author/alicia-edmund) 12 January 2022 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/government-minister-faith-communities-are-vital-to-pandemic-recovery) [ ![What would better government engagement with faith groups look like?](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Jesus Saves](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/edwin-andrade-NIN6d23PX5k-unsplash.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/what-would-better-government-engagement-with-faith-groups-look-like) [#### What would better government engagement with faith groups look like? ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/what-would-better-government-engagement-with-faith-groups-look-like) Government engagement with faith needs to value the distinctiveness of different beliefs [ ![Danny Webster](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/danny-webster) [ Danny Webster ](/author/danny-webster) 09 December 2020 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/what-would-better-government-engagement-with-faith-groups-look-like)