2023-07-31-accounts - African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Of America In England Foundation

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Registered number 1008811

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of America in England Foundation

Report and Financial Statements

31 July 2023

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of America in England Foundation Report and accounts Contents

	Page
Charity Information	1
Trustees' Report	2
Independent Examiner's Report	8
Statement of Financial Activities	9
Statement of Financial Position	10
Statement of Changes in Charitable Funds	11
Statement of Cash Flows	12
Notes to the Financial Statements	13
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities	18
Detailed Income and Expenditure Account	19

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of America in England Foundation Charity Information

Trustees

Right Reverend Bishop Dennis V. Proctor (Presiding Bishop, ex officio) Reverend Ionie Anguin Reverend Marcia Davis Reverend Andrew Rowe Reverend. Marcus D. Tillery (Chairman) Ms. Karlene Anderson-Bowley Mrs. Jane Grant-Roberts Mrs. Janet Jackson

Secretary

Miss Dorothy McFarlane

Independent examiners

Jacksons Chartered Accountants First Floor, Albion House Albion Street Hull HU1 3TE

Bankers

HSBC UK Bank plc 1 Aldermans Hill Palmers Green London N13 4YE

Registered office

2a Mallinson Road Battersea London SW11 1BP

Registered number

1008811

Governing document

Declaration of Trust dated 6 October 1978

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of America in England Foundation Registered charity number: 1008811 Trustees' Report for the year ended 31 July 2023

The trustees present their report and financial statement for the Charity for the year ended 31 July 2023.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP): Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

These financial statements are of the annual conference of African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church ("AME Zion Church", or "the Church"). They include the known assets and liabilities of the charity where these are not held to the account of individual churches.

The statement of financial activities incorporates the income and expenditure directly received or disbursed by conference.

The individual churches in full connection with the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of America in England are:

London District Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church Gospatrick Road, Tottenham, London, N17 7EE Ransom Pentecostal A.M.E. Zion Church 2a Mallinson Road, London, SW11 1BP New Hope A.M.E. Zion Church 1 Park Hall Road, West Norwood, SE21 8EN New Birth A.M.E. Zion Church 83 Brighton Road, Coulsdon, Surry, CR5 2BE New Shiloh A.M.E. Zion Church 32-36 Brigadier Hill, Enfield EN2 0NQ Beulah A.M.E. Zion Church Comber Close, London, NW2 Midland District Shaw Mt Zion (Midlands) 56 Villa Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, B19 1BL Mt. Bethel A.M.E. Zion Church St. Georges Parade, Wolverhampton, WV2 1AZ Shekinah Temple A.M.E. Zion Church Broad Street, Folesill, Coventry

These churches prepare their own accounts which are not included in the Conference accounts.

Principal activities

The Charity's principal activity during the year continued to be to promote the Christian religion and to provide places of worship.

Objectives and activities

The principal objectives of the Charity are:

provide religious and charitable services to the church followers; and
to maintain churches and organise conferences at various times and places.

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of America in England Foundation Registered charity number: 1008811 Trustees' Report for the year ended 31 July 2023

The charity is affiliated to the worldwide African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. The mission of the worldwide AME Zion Church is to minister to the spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and environmental needs of all people by spreading Christ's liberating gospel through word and deed. At every level of the Connection and in every local church, the AME Zion Church shall engage in carrying out the spirit of the original Free African Society, out of which the AME Zion Church evolved: that is, to seek out and save the lost, and serve the needy.

Public benefit

We have referred to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our future activities. In particular, the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set. We exist to serve people in our community without discrimination. We strive to promote social welfare through the provision of facilities aimed at improving the social, physical and spiritual wellbeing of those in our local community.

The Charity provides a safe working environment for visitors, members, workers and volunteers and any serious incidences are reported in accordance with our safeguarding policy. There was no serious incidence during the year ended 31 July 2023.

Fundraising

The Charity raises funds from the public in the form of voluntary donations ("general offerings") from attendees of its Christian church services.

The Charity does not use the services of a professional fundraiser or commercial participator in the process of raising funds. Also, the Charity (or any person acting on its behalf) is not subject to any voluntary scheme for regulating fundraising, or voluntary standard for fundraising in respect of activities on behalf of the Charity.

The Charity (or any person acting on its behalf) has not received any complaints in regard to its fundraising activities.

Activities during the year

During the year, the Charity held two conferences for its affiliated churches - one virtual and the other in person. The Charity also paid to send a delegation to a women's convention, in the USA, held every four years.

Financial review

Principal sources of funding

The largest contribution to the Charity is from a voluntary general offering given by those attending and from a roll call or assessment on the individual churches within the AME Zion Church connection.

Financial review

The Charity incurred a deficit of £2,610 for the financial year. At 31 July 2023, the Charity held total funds of £3,394,939; £178,599 of which was cash at the bank and in hand. (The rest is the value of fixed assets, £3,217,840, less creditors of £1,500.) This, in all, is considered to be an appropriate level of funds to enable the Charity to pursue its objectives.

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of America in England Foundation Registered charity number: 1008811 Trustees' Report for the year ended 31 July 2023

Reserves policy

The trustees have a forecast of the level of free reserves, (that is, those funds not tied up in fixed assets) that the Charity will require to sustain its day-to-day obligations. Whilst our actual free reserves may prove sufficient, it is the trustees’ view that it is prudent to maintain the forecasted level of reserves to allow for financial flexibility and stability.

Investment policy

The trustees have adopted a strong socially responsible investment policy for the reserves of the Charity. This policy, in tandem with the need to fulfil our statutory obligations, has the objective of investing in such a way that the principles of socially responsible investment are promoted. A further factor is the need to have ready access to our reserves, as long-term funding cannot be guaranteed, so for the current period, we have placed surplus funds in short-term deposit accounts and current accounts.

Risk management

The trustees actively review, on a regular basis, the major risks that the Charity faces in maintaining reserves at the levels stated above, in addition to an annual review of the controls over key financial systems carried out through an internal audit process.

Internal control risks are minimised by authorisation procedures for all financial transactions. Policies and procedures are in place to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and this being for staff, volunteers and visitors.

The trustees have also examined other operational and business risks which we face and confirm that they have taken steps to mitigate any significant risks.

Structure, governance and management

Governing document

The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Foundation (AME Zion Church) is an unincorporated charitable organisation formed on 6 October 1978 and registered as a charity on 26 February 1992. The charity is governed by a Declaration of Trust dated 6 October 1978 which is supplemented by a Book of Discipline which is used for certain day-to-day procedures and activities.

Organisational structure

The AME Zion Church is a connectional organisation with each local church a part of the larger connection. The bishops are its chief officers and they are elected for life by a majority vote of the General Conference which meets every four years. Bishops are bound by the laws of the church to retire at the General Conference nearest his/her seventy-second birthday.

Presiding elders are appointed by the bishops appoint to supervise the preachers in a presiding elder's district. A presiding elder district is one portion of an Annual Conference, which in turn is one part of the Episcopal district over which a bishop presides. In the presiding elder district, the appointed presiding elder meets with the local churches, that comprise the district, at least once every three months for a quarterly conference. The presiding elder also presides over a district conference and a Sunday school convention in his or her district. At the end of an Annual Conference year, the presiding elder reports to the bishop at the Annual Conference and makes recommendations for pastoral appointments.

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of America in England Foundation Registered charity number: 1008811 Trustees' Report for the year ended 31 July 2023

Pastors receive a yearly appointment to a charge (church), on the recommendation of the presiding elder and with the approval and final appointment of the bishop. The pastor is in full charge of the church and is an ex-official member of all boards, organizations and clubs of that church.

The General Conference is the supreme body of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Foundation. It is composed of the bishops and an equal number of ministerial and lay delegates.

The Council of Bishops is the executive branch of the connectional church. It has the general oversight of the church during the interim between General Conferences. The Council of Bishops meets annually and also at such other times as may be deemed necessary in the discharging its responsibility.

The General Trustee Board has the supervision, in trust, of all connectional property of the church. At their regular meetings, the trustees agree the broad strategy and areas of activity for the church, including consideration of allocation of funds, investment, reserves and risk management policies and performance.

The conference now consists of 2 Presiding Elder Districts with 9 Churches.

Volunteers

The running of the charity is carried out by its members, i.e. administration, catering etc. .

Where possible, our volunteers help to serve the local community during worship services and through other pastoral work - working with the homeless, counselling, and in food programmes, youth services and education, including working with local agencies in the fight against knife and gun crimes. Many of our volunteers act as administrators and support workers from a range of other professional backgrounds such as finance, law, music, health and general office administration. They provide an invaluable service to the church activities during the year.

There was an average of 18 volunteers, excluding trustees, throughout the year who aided in the running of the Charity.

Recruitment and appointment of trustees

The members of the General Trustee Board, which is the primary management body of the Annual Conference, are trustees for the purposes of charity law. New trustees may be appointed by Conference or by resolution of a meeting of the trustees.

Much of the charity's work focuses upon the promotion of the Christian religion and the running and maintenance of its places of worship.

The General Trustee Board seeks to ensure that the needs of this group are appropriately reflected through the diversity of the trustee body. To enhance the potential pool of trustees, the charity has, through selective advertising and networking with voluntary organizations active in the sector, sought to identify those who would be willing to become members of the charity and use their own experience to assist the charity.

There were no new or additional trustees recruited in the year to 31 July 2023.

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of America in England Foundation Registered charity number: 1008811 Trustees' Report for the year ended 31 July 2023

Trustee induction and training

Many trustees are already familiar with the practical work of the Charity as they are also active members of the church as well as involved in other churches and organisations.

New trustees are encouraged to familiarise themselves with charity law, their responsibilities as trustees and with the Charity's rules and practices.

Trustees

The following persons served as trustees during the year:

Right Reverend Bishop Dennis V. Proctor (Presiding Bishop, ex officio) Reverend Ionie Anquin Reverend Marcia Davis Reverend Andrew Rowe Reverend. Marcus D. Tillery (Chairman) Ms. Karlene Anderson-Bowley Mrs. Jayne Grant-Roberts Mrs. Janet Jackson

Secretary

Miss Dorothy McFarlane

Trustees' responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ascertain to ensure that the accounts comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the Charity and financial information included on the Charity’s website as well as:

a) to prepare financial statements which show a true and fair view;

b) in preparing financial statements:

(i) to select suitable accounting policies and apply them on a consistent basis; and

(ii) to make judgements and estimates that are prudent and reasonable; as well as c) to keep proper accounting records.

Disclosure of information to independent examiners

Each person who was a trustee at the time this report was approved confirms that:

so far as he is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Charity's independent examiner is unaware; and
he has taken all the steps that he ought to have taken as a trustee in order to make himself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Charity's independent examiner is aware of that information.

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of America in England Foundation Registered charity number: 1008811 Trustees' Report for the year ended 31 July 2023

This report was approved by the board on 10 May 2024 and signed on its behalf.

Miss Dorothy McFarlane Trustee

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of America in England Foundation Independent Examiner's Report to the members of African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of America in England Foundation

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity ('the Charity') for the year ended 31 July 2023 which are set out in pages 1 to 19.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Charity’s trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Mark Jackson (Senior Statutory Auditor)

for and on behalf of Jacksons Chartered Accountants First Floor, Albion House Albion Street Hull HU1 3TE

10 May 2024

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of America in England Foundation Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 July 2023

Notes Income from charitable activities 2 Expenditure on charitable activities Net operating income Administrative expenses Other operating income Operating deficit Movement in funds: Net expenditure Reconciliation of funds Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward	2023 £ 42,962 (22,168) 20,794 (23,404) - (2,610) (2,610) (2,610) 3,397,549 3,394,939	2022 £ 19,540 (9,778) 9,762 (11,857) 416 (1,679) (1,679) (1,679) 3,399,228 3,397,549

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of America in England Foundation Statement of Financial Position as at 31 July 2023

	Notes	2023	2022
		£	£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets	4	3,217,840	3,217,840
Current assets
Cash on deposit		164,445	133,260
Cash at bank		14,154	47,949
Creditors: amounts falling due		178,599	181,209
within one year	5	(1,500)	(1,500)
Net current assets		177,099	179,709
Net assets		3,394,939	3,397,549
Capital and reserves
Other reserves	6	2,523,500	2,523,500
Unrestricted funds	7	871,439	874,049
Total equity		3,394,939	3,397,549

Miss Dorothy McFarlane Trustee

Approved by the board on 10 May 2024

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of America in England Foundation Statement of Changes in Charitable Funds for the year ended 31 July 2023

This schedule does not form part of the statutory accounts

At 1 August 2021 Deficit for the financial year At 31 July 2022 At 1 August 2022 Deficit for the financial year At 31 July 2023	Income and Expenditure account £ 875,728 (1,679) 874,049 874,049 (2,610) 871,439	Total £ 3,399,228 (1,679) 3,397,549 3,397,549 (2,610) 3,394,939

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of America in England Foundation Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 31 July 2023

Notes Operating activities Loss for the financial year Adjustments for: Decrease in creditors Cash used in operating activities Net cash used Cash used in operating activities Net cash used Cash and cash equivalents at 1 August Cash and cash equivalents at 31 July Cash and cash equivalents comprise: Cash at bank	2023 £ (2,610) - (2,610) (2,610) (2,610) (2,610) 181,209 178,599 178,599	2022 £ (1,679) (90) (1,769) (1,769) (1,769) (1,769) 182,978 181,209 181,209

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of America in England Foundation Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2023

1 Summary of significant accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the Charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably.

Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulative depreciation and any accumulative impairment losses. Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, other than freehold land.

Depreciation is not provided on freehold buildings because the residual value of the buildings at the end of their useful life is expected to be higher than its cost or valuation.

Debtors

Short term debtors are measured at transaction price (which is usually the invoice price), less any impairment losses for bad and doubtful debts. Loans and other financial assets are initially recognised at transaction price including any transaction costs and subsequently measured at amortised cost determined using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses for bad and doubtful debts.

Creditors

Short term creditors are measured at transaction price (which is usually the invoice price). Loans and other financial liabilities are initially recognised at transaction price net of any transaction costs and subsequently measured at amortised cost determined using the effective interest method.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation under sections 521 to 536 of the Income Tax Act 2007 (ITA 2007).

Fund accounting: restricted and unrestricted funds

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the Charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of America in England Foundation Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2023

Going concern

The accounts have been prepared on the going concern basis, which assumes that the Charity will be in operational existence twelve months from the date of approval of these accounts. The trustees are satisfied that this basis is appropriate.

There are no material uncertainties.

Provisions

Provisions (i.e. liabilities of uncertain timing or amount) are recognised when there is an obligation at the reporting date as a result of a past event, it is probable that economic benefit will be transferred to settle the obligation and the amount of the obligation can be estimated

Pensions

Contributions to defined contribution plans are expensed in the period to which they relate.

Government grants

The accrual model (FRS 102 24.5C-G) was applied in producing these accounts; therefore grants were recognised as either relating to revenue (over the period in which the Charity recognises the related costs for which the grant was intended to compensate) or relating to assets (over the expected useful life of the asset).

2

Analysis of income from charitable activities Tithes and offerings Gifts, donations and pledges Other contributions Church: Missions Church: Worship Church: Welfare and counselling By geographical market: UK	2023 £ 14,605 21,202 7,105 - - 50 42,962 42,962	2022 £ 12,732 - 5,675 773 360 - 19,540 19,540

3 Role played by general volunteers

Volunteers play a vital role in the running of the Charity and their contribution helps the Charity achieve its objectives.

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of America in England Foundation Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2023

4 Tangible fixed assets Cost or valuation At 1 August 2022 At 31 July 2023 Depreciation At 31 July 2023 Carrying amount At 31 July 2023 At 31 July 2022 5 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Trade creditors 6 Other reserves Revaluation reserve At 1 August At 31 July 7 Funds At 1 August Net expenditure for the financial year At 31 July	2023 £ 1,500 2023 £ 2,523,500 2,523,500 2023 £ 874,049 (2,610) 871,439	Land and buildings At cost £ 3,217,840 3,217,840 - 3,217,840 3,217,840 2022 £ 1,500 2022 £ 2,523,500 2,523,500 2022 £ 875,728 (1,679) 874,049

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of America in England Foundation Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2023

Reserves

*Restricted and unrestricted funds* At 1 August Unrestricted funds Net income for the financial year Unrestricted funds At 31 July Unrestricted funds Total funds carried forward	2023 £ 3,397,549 (2,610) 3,394,939 3,394,939	2022 £ 3,399,228 (1,679) 3,397,549 3,397,549

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees, in order to further the charity's objectives.

8 Analysis of net assets between funds

Fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities	Unrestricted funds 3,217,840 178,599 (1,500) 3,394,939	Restricted funds - - - -	2023 £ 3,217,840 178,599 (1,500) 3,394,939	2022 £ 3,217,840 181,209 (1,500) 3,397,549

9 Related party transactions

The following payments were made to trustees during the financial year.

Miss Dorothy McFarlane Trustee Mrs. Janet Jackson Trustee Ms. Karlene Anderson-Bowley Trustee Mrs. Jayne Grant-Roberts Trustee	£ 13,360 355 600 275 14,590 Church: Worship; Travel and subsistence Evangelism support; Travel and subsistence Church: Worship Church: Worship

As the Charity’s own bank accounts do not have the capability to facilitate payments to overseas vendors (suppliers, partners, associates etc.), the above payments relate to transactions made by the Trustees, wholly on behalf of the Charity.

No other trustees claimed expenses or had their expenses met by the Charity.

The legal authority under which the above payments were made was the Charity's governing document.

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of America in England Foundation Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2023

10 Presentation currency

The financial statements are presented in Sterling, rounded to the nearest pound (£).

11 Legal form of entity and country of incorporation

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of America in England Foundation is an unincorporated charity and registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

12 Principal place of business

The address of the charity's principal place of business and registered office is:

2a Mallinson Road Battersea London SW11 1BP

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of America in England Foundation Detailed Statement of Financial Activities

also Income and Expenditure Account

for the year ended 31 July 2023

Notes Income from charitable activities Tithes and offerings 2 Gifts, donations and pledges Other contributions Church: Missions Church: Worship Church: Welfare and counselling Expenditure on charitable activities Church: Missions Church: Worship Church: Evangelism support Church: Welfare and counselling Gifts and donations Catering and hospitality Net operating income Administrative expenses Support costs Governance costs Other operating income Operating deficit Movement in funds: Deficit	2023 £ 14,605 21,202 7,105 - - 50 42,962 (1,000) (6,478) (11,450) - (2,040) (1,200) (22,168) 20,794 (21,904) (1,500) - (2,610) (2,610)	2022 £ 12,732 - 5,675 773 360 - 19,540 - - (4,900) (3,538) (340) (1,000) (9,778) 9,762 (6,449) (5,408) 416 (1,679) (1,679)

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of America in England Foundation Detailed Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31 July 2023

Income from charitable activities Tithes and offerings Gifts, donations and pledges Other contributions Church: Missions Church: Worship Church: Welfare and counselling Expenditure on charitable activities Church: Missions Church: Worship Church: Evangelism support Church: Welfare and counselling Gifts and donations Catering and hospitality Administrative expenses Support costs Employee costs: Travel and subsistence General administrative expenses: Stationery and printing Bank charges Equipment expensed Software Sundry expenses Support costs Governance costs Legal and professional costs: Independent examination fees Other legal and professional fees Governance costs Administrative expenses Other operating income Other operating income	2023 £ 14,605 21,202 7,105 - - 50 42,962 1,000 6,478 11,450 - 2,040 1,200 22,168 21,238 21,238 380 86 200 - - 666 21,904 1,500 - 1,500 23,404 -	2022 £ 12,732 - 5,675 773 360 - 19,540 - - 4,900 3,538 340 1,000 9,778 5,718 5,718 250 (77) - 554 4 731 6,449 1,400 4,008 5,408 11,857 416