07561 421 710 church@bethelbolton.org

Legal Status

Bethel Church is a Christian church based in the United Kingdom and operates as an excepted charity under the Charities Act 2011.

As an excepted charity, Bethel Church is legally recognised as a charity but is not required to register with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. This is a lawful and established category within UK charity regulation and applies to churches whose purposes are exclusively charitable and carried out for the public benefit.

Charity Registration

Bethel Church does not have a Charity Commission registration number because churches that meet the criteria for exception are exempt from compulsory registration.

Despite this, Bethel Church:

  • Operates solely for charitable purposes

  • Is subject to UK charity law

  • Is governed by a formal governing document

  • Exists for the benefit of the wider public, not private individuals

Charitable Purposes

The charitable purposes of Bethel Church are:

  • The advancement of the Christian faith

  • The promotion of moral and spiritual wellbeing

  • The relief of need, distress, and hardship

  • The strengthening of community life and social cohesion

These purposes are recognised as charitable under UK law.

Public Benefit

Bethel Church provides clear and demonstrable public benefit through activities that are open to the general public and provided without discrimination, including:

  • Public worship services accessible to all

  • Pastoral support and counselling for individuals and families

  • Community outreach, including practical help and support for those in need

  • Youth and childrenโ€™s work, delivered in a safe and structured environment

  • Teaching and educational activities, including courses, discussion groups, and events

  • Community events that promote inclusion, wellbeing, and connection

These activities are delivered for the benefit of the wider community, not restricted to church members.

Governance and Accountability

Bethel Church is overseen by a leadership team who act as trustees in accordance with its governing document.
The church is committed to:

  • Good governance

  • Financial responsibility

  • Transparency

  • Safeguarding and data protection

Bethel Church is affiliated with the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC), a UK-registered charity. This affiliation provides external accountability, doctrinal oversight, and safeguarding standards, while Bethel Church remains an independent local church and an excepted charity under UK law.

Safeguarding

Bethel Church is committed to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Safeguarding Policy: https://bethelbolton.org/cpp/

Privacy and Data Protection

Bethel Church complies with UK data protection legislation and handles personal data responsibly.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Privacy Policy: https://bethelbolton.org/privacy-policy/

Contact Information

Organisation: Bethel Church
Address: Clarence Street, Bolton, BL1 2DQ
Email: church@bethelbolton.org
Website: www.bethelbolton.org

Verification

Bethel Church is happy to provide further information, including its governing document or confirmation of its excepted charity status, upon request.

Secret Link