Places of Worship

Places of worship are places maintained by different faiths like churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and Gurdwara. They are often places where people of particular faith meet, socialize and pray together. These places are mostly open to the general public.

Places of meeting for religious worship, excluding churches or chapels of the Church of England, may be certified as such to the Registrar General of Births, Deaths, and Marriages through the superintendent registrar of the district. If the Registrar General is satisfied that the building is in fact a place of religious worship, he or she is to register it accordingly.

Such registration exempts the building from registration under the Charities Act 2011 and from liability to being rated, and also renders it eligible for registration for the solemnisation of marriages.

Certain places of worship are subject to reverter under the Places of Worship Sites Act 1873 if they cease to be used for a year at one time.

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We can assist with:-

• Acquiring the place of worship
• Assisting with planning issues
• Obtaining necessary registrations from relevant authorities
• Assisting in preparing policies and systems suitable for a specific place of worship considering the laws and requirements of the faith
• Facilitating sharing agreements, licences and leases
• Disputes around ownership.