Charity Issued Official Warning for 'Inflammatory' Sermons

The Charity Commission has issued an official warning to a charity established to advance the Islamic faith and education, provide recreational facilities and activities, and the relief of poverty. The action was taken after the Commission opened a regulatory compliance case in response to complaints about sermons delivered at the charity, which also received adverse media coverage.

After assessing the evidence related to these and other events held at the charity, the regulator made a finding of misconduct and/or mismanagement. This was connected to two sermons hosted by the charity that included content that was 'inflammatory, divisive and not in the charity’s best interests'.

The official warning requires the charity to ensure all activity on its premises furthers its objects, benefits the public, and is in its best interests. It must also ensure that any activity carried out by, or associated with, the charity does not unnecessarily risk damaging its reputation. The charity is also instructed to review, implement, and adhere to a robust and suitable events and speakers policy that applies to all of the charity’s speakers.

The Commission issued the official warning due to the failings it identified in the charity’s management. Failure to remedy the misconduct and/or mismanagement identified by the Commission may lead to further regulatory action. The official warning will be available for a year on the charity’s entry on the Register of Charities.