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← Churches Together In Britain And Ireland

2024-12-31-accounts

(Company Limited by Guarantee)

Trustees’ Report, Independent Examiner’s Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 December 2024

Charity Number: 1113299

Company Number: 05661787

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Trustees’ Report (Incorporating the Directors’ Report) Year Ended 31 December 2024

Pages
Letter from the General Secretary 1
Trustees' Report (Incorporating the Directors’ Report) 2 - 19
Independent Examiner’s Report 20
Statement of Financial Activities (Incorporating the Income and Expenditure Account) 21
Balance Sheet 22
Statement of Cashflows 23
Accounting Policies and Notes 24 - 39
Reference and Administrative Information 40 - 41

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Trustees’ Report (Incorporating the Directors’ Report) Year Ended 31 December 2024

~~Lo~~ Letter from the General Secretary

At our AGM on 30th September 2024 we discussed with delegates the progress made on the agreed priorities contained in our strategic plan:

Delegates noted that our ecumenical relationships are increasingly important in a context of growing demand and declining resources. It is only through partnership that we can attempt to respond to the many areas of concern covered by these strategic priorities. Our dialogue and information-sharing also help equip us to engage with the complexity and sensitivity of the issues that challenge relationships at present, with the pressures and tensions in inter religious relations highlighted as a significant example. The riots that took place in different parts of the UK during August 2024 caused fear and concern across church communities, but there were also signs of hope evident in the way some ecumenical and inter faith groups demonstrated a readiness to respond to this kind of threat, working in partnership with other community leaders. Throughout 2025 CTBI will continue to explore the learning from this experience as we work to address the threat of hate crimes in our communities.

The report which follows explains in greater detail how we have taken forward the work under the different priorities of the strategic plan in partnership with our member churches and bodies in association, the participants in our working groups and networks and the other partners who contribute to our work. We are very grateful for the support and encouragement given to our staff team.

I am grateful to my colleagues in the CTBI staff team for their commitment to this work, and to our very dedicated trustees who provide such careful and consistent support. At our 2024 AGM we acknowledged the contribution of Patrick Coyle, a long-serving trustee for Cytûn, and Bishop John Perumbalath from the Church of England.

We began 2025 by launching a new website at ctbi.org.uk. The new website is structured around the strategic plan to make it easier for members to engage with our work, to share their own work, and to follow the progress we are making together on our agreed strategic priorities. We look forward to continuing to build on this progress throughout 2025.

Nicola Brady General Secretary

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Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Trustees’ Report (Incorporating the Directors’ Report) (continued) Year Ended 31 December 2024

Trustees’ Report

The Trustees present their Annual Report (also incorporating the Directors’ Report) for the year ended 31 December 2024. The Trustees are listed on page 40 and general information relating to CTBI is also given on page 41.

Overview of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland

Structure, Governance and Management

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) was incorporated in England on 22 December 2005, and on 1 April 2007 acquired all the assets and functions of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, an unincorporated association, (Registered Charity number: 259688). The Company provides a structure to facilitate the operations of CTBI with membership drawn from the National Ecumenical Instruments (Action of Churches Together in Scotland (ACTS), Churches Together in England (CTE), Churches Together in Wales (Cytûn) and the Irish Council of Churches (ICC)), the Churches and Bodies in Association.

CTBI is a private company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales (Company number 05661787) and established under a Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 22 December 2005 (as amended on 3 May 2007, 22 September 2010, 5 May 2011 and 17 May 2017). It is a registered charity with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (Charity number 1113299).

The names of those who served as Trustees (and who are also directors of the company) during 2023 and up to the date of signing these accounts are listed on page 40. The Trustees delegate day to day management of CTBI to the General Secretary, Nicola Brady.

Governance

The board meets four times each year, usually including at least one residential meeting. In addition, the Finance and General Purposes Committee reports to each meeting of the Trustees. Board members new to the work of CTBI meet with the General Secretary and senior staff for orientation. Where required, additional training or advice is made available, and Trustees are kept informed and up to date about all relevant regulatory and other governance matters at board meetings.

The board are responsible for all key strategic decisions of the charity, including approval of annual budgets, review of strategy and risk register, approving salary levels and overseeing key personnel appointments. Line management of the General Secretary is carried out by selected trustees on behalf of the whole board. Day to day activities and operational decision-making are delegated to the staff team under the direction of the General Secretary.

Board membership in recent years has been broadened to give greater voice to the churches whilst also allowing the Board to develop the necessary skills and expertise. Trustees can be nominated or proposed by any of the members of CTBI (other than Bodies in Association). Those nominated by the National Ecumenical Bodies of England, Scotland or Wales or by the Irish Council of Churches (collectively, a maximum of 5) will be elected to serve by majority vote of those Trustees who have been appointed from the member Churches. Member Churches can appoint, collectively, up to 10 Trustees who are elected via proposal to a nominations committee which ensures balance between various Christian traditions. Trustees can also be co-opted, and anyone so appointed will serve until the subsequent AGM at which point, they can be re-elected. The minimum number of Trustees is 10 and the maximum is 22. One third of Trustees retire at each AGM and are eligible for re-election. We continue to seek new ways of ensuring that our member Churches have significant representation and the issues that are live for our membership are brought to the board table.

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Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Trustees’ Report (Incorporating the Directors’ Report) (continued) Year Ended 31 December 2024

Trustees are guided by the following principles which state that our work programme should:

  1. Meet unmet needs (work desired by the churches but not being done);

  2. Add value (work amplifying or increasing the impact of work done by the churches);

  3. Only be possible if done ecumenically (work which achieves that which member churches cannot achieve individually);

  4. Add a four nations focus (work drawing on the insights/contexts of member churches in the different nations to enrich each other);

  5. Be done in partnership (work draws on or enables partnerships).

The staff and trustees of CTBI continue to believe that we have an important role to play across the four nations and internationally. At a time when we need reconciliation locally, nationally, and internationally, the need for dialogue between the churches, other faith communities and government is even more important. The sharing of information, the creation of resources that support local initiatives, connecting the national and international contexts to the local church roots, is as important today as at any time in the past. CTBI is a resource for serving the churches and the communities in which our churches are set, as they strive to work together through deepening dialogue and interaction. The small, dedicated team remains responsive to fresh demands and new initiatives. Its emphasis continues to be on relationships and the building of dialogue between the churches and associated organisations as they serve their local communities.

The trustees have given due consideration to the Charity Commission’s published guidance on the Public Benefit requirement under the Charities Act 2011. During the year, the following areas of work in particular contributed to the requirement to provide public benefit. More details are provided in the Achievements and Performance section of this report:

Regular skills audits are undertaken to ensure Trustees have the breadth of skills and experience to comply with the Charity Governance Code. This process is reviewed periodically to identify additional steps they could take to improve the governance of the charity.

The charity had no fundraising activity in 2024 requiring disclosure under S162A of the Charities Act.

Objectives and Activities

The objects of the Charity are the advancement of the Christian religion, the relief of poverty and the advancement of education and any other purposes which are charitable according to the law of England and Wales.

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland has been established by its member churches as an expression of their commitment to ecumenism and inter-church cooperation across Britain and Ireland. We provide spaces for member churches to engage in dialogue and relationship-building and support collaborative actions on issues of shared concern through a range of approaches, including research, publication of resources, theological reflection, communications, and advocacy.

CTBI is an umbrella body through which the member churches cooperate on common issues. It works closely with the National Ecumenical Instruments to give witness to the essential unity of the Christian movement. CTBI’s core tasks are providing “structured ecumenical space” for meetings and encounters, facilitating shared study on common issues, and fostering relationships, both among the churches and between the churches and the wider world.

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Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Trustees’ Report (Incorporating the Directors’ Report) (continued) Year Ended 31 December 2024

Our Statement of Purpose

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland believe that Ecumenism is an urgent evangelical imperative. It is time we cease projecting the image of a dismembered Body of Christ, which is a counter-witness to the Good News we proclaim. The ecumenism we seek is dynamic and responsive, not a monolith resulting from one powerful church swallowing the others, but a mega community composed of churches (local, national, and international) that complement one another, each with its own historical identity, its unique tradition, its own doctrinal emphasis, and its particular worship form; in short, a Pentecostal communion of communities that understand and speak one another’s language.

This current strategic plan is based on priorities that have been identified, in consultation with member churches, for the period 2023 to 2027. It centres on five priority areas of focus:

The wide-ranging nature of the strategic plan reflects the diversity of our membership and the extent and depth of the churches’ ecumenical commitment to the promotion of the common good and to the building of a just and compassionate society for all.

We are conscious that this strategy is taking effect at a challenging time for the Church, from the local through to the global level. It is offered as an invitation to dialogue and engagement in the hope that it will help churches feel supported in their vital work and enhance the visibility of that work in the wider society.

Principal activities

The principal activities of the Charity continue to be carried out for the public benefit and comprise:

These activities are undertaken in close partnership with the ecumenical bodies established to work in the separate nations of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

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Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Trustees’ Report (Incorporating the Directors’ Report) (continued) Year Ended 31 December 2024

Achievements and Performance

Strategic Priority 1 – Strengthening Ecumenical Engagement in Britain and Ireland

This strategic priority refers to the work CTBI does to promote and resource ecumenical engagement, develop our networks and support British-Irish engagement with global ecumenical bodies.

Promoting and resourcing ecumenical engagement

CTBI develops and publishes resources for local ecumenical groups for significant events in the church calendar and to support engagement with key themes arising from its work.

Each year CTBI develops resources to help the churches in Britain and Ireland engage with the global Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, with a dedicated website (https://weekofprayer.org/) and communications and social media support. The theme for the 2025 resources focused upon the 1,700 anniversary of the first Ecumenical Council at Nicaea. It took as its theme the text “Do You Believe This?” from the Gospel of John and is part of the dialogue between Jesus and Mary over the resurrection of the dead. The resources aim to reflect upon Christian faith and unity what the faith professed at Nicaea means for the church in today’s world. The resources were made available online and in hard copy, with a Welsh-English bilingual version and online resources in Irish Gaelic and Scots Gaelic.

Our Lent resource took the theme of Politics at the Service of the Common Good and connected participants with the work CTBI was undertaking through the Churches’ General Election website (discussed under strategic priority five) offering an opportunity to engage in prayer and reflection with the questions raised for Christians by the challenges and opportunities of political participation, engagement and advocacy.

Developing our Networks

CTBI’s work is carried out in close partnership with the national ecumenical instruments (NEIs). In addition to the NEI representation at CTBI trustee meetings, CTBI facilitates a range of opportunities for relationshipbuilding and collaborative working including: meetings of General Secretaries and other staff and participation in NEI events and meetings. CTBI holds an ecumenical fund, which supports ecumenical work carried out by any of the four national ecumenical instruments in Britain and Ireland. These bodies can apply for grant funding to support new or ongoing work. Applications are assessed by the trustees in line with wider charitable and strategic objectives.

A four-nations meeting of national ecumenical officers takes place quarterly to discuss issues of shared concern. During 2024 we reflected on the significance of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea with contributions from Rev Dr Susan Durber, WCC President for Europe, and Professor Philip McDonagh of the Centre for Religion, Human Values and International Relations at Dublin City University. We considered the harmful legacy of the transatlantic slave trade and the theme for the 2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

In addition, the trustee residentials of CTBI rotate around different locations to provide opportunities for indepth engagement with each of the NEIs in turn. In 2024 the trustee residential took place in Belfast and provided an opportunity to learn from the work of the Irish Council of Churches and the Irish Inter-Church Meeting in the area of peace and reconciliation through their strategy entitled The Unfinished Work of Peace.

CTBI’s membership includes Bodies in Association – faith-based organisations working on issues that align with the vision, values, and strategic priorities of CTBI. Three times a year, meetings of this group are convened jointly with Churches Together in England. During 2024 the group reflected on what it means to work ecumenically and, in an in-person gathering hosted by CTBI in October, discussed how best to engage and mobilise churches, drawing on learning from CTBI’s evaluation of its 2021 Climate Sunday initiative.

Twice a year CTBI publishes a magazine for members with a range of articles providing updates on the work of CTBI and the national ecumenical instruments, together with profiles of its members and information for churches arising from our networks.

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Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Trustees’ Report (Incorporating the Directors’ Report) (continued) Year Ended 31 December 2024

British-Irish engagement with global ecumenical bodies

CTBI continued its engagement with the Conference of European Churches (CEC) throughout 2024. The CTBI General Secretary participates in annual meeting of European General Secretaries organised by CEC. The 2024 meeting took place in Hamburg in September with a particular focus on the revising of the Charta Oecumenica – a joint iniative of CEC and the Council of European Catholic Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE) – ahead of the launch of the revised text in 2025.

CTBI has also been participating in conversations about the ecumenical dimension of the global synodal process currently underway in the Catholic Church. During 2024 the General Secretary contributed to the organising of an ecumenical synodal gathering of the Archdiocese of Armagh and Diocese of Dromore as part of the Irish synodal pathway.

Strategic Priority 2 – Working Together for Mission and the Common Good

This strategic priority covers work in the area of mission, racial justice and inter faith dialogue as well as social inclusion and a healthy society.

Mission

The Mission Theology and Apologetics Group (MTAG) is facilitated by CTBI and the Church of England. The group has held three meetings since the last Annual Report although we have progressed a number of our projects through online meetings and chats in between group gatherings. As ever, we have looked to provide theological reflection and practical materials on Spirituality, Theology, Reconciliation, Evangelism, Apologetics and Mission (STREAM).

Spirituality

As MTAG member Alison Webster is now the General Secretary of Modern Church, MTAG had a significant input into the Modern Church conference last summer looking at Finding the Sacred in the 21st Century: New Ways of Looking at Spirituality. MTAG co-chair Prof John Drane was the chair of the conference and he and MTAG convener Anne Richards both gave keynote addresses, which have been written up and published in the journal Modern Believing 66/1 https://www.liverpooluniversitypress.co.uk/toc/mb/66/. In addition, they invited MTAG friend and Glastonbury pioneer missioner, Revd Diana Greenfield, to talk about her work with Pagans and people exploring unusual spiritual pathways. Anne’s address set out MTAG’s signature work ‘Five Themes in a Theology of Evangelism’ against the backdrop of contemporary spirituality and she also gave a talk on the spiritual harms of unguided exploration online of the many offers which are out there. The conference was very well attended and all MTAG’s input enthusiastically received.

Theology

Our project on Mortal Remains continues to attract wide interest. In addition to working with the Law Commission on matters around disposal of bodies (is a bag of compost a ‘body’?) we have been approached by the Church of England’s Archdeacon’s Network and other interested parties to look more closely at the impact of direct cremation and no-funeral plans on the Church’s ministry to the bereaved. Another aspect of this project is that we continue to consider the rise of ‘grief tech’, working with researchers in AI and Cyber-security, to better understand the implications of this technology of the role of the Church. CTBI webinars on these important issues are currently in the diary for this year. The proposed legislation on Assisted Dying has provided yet another strand on the issue of bodies and what becomes of them. So this project has burgeoned as we have developed it.

Reconciliation

Because of events in wider society, MTAG has kept its finger on the pulse of contemporary culture in relation to what churches can do to heal widening fractures in society. Following the riots in 2024, MTAG has done serious research and reflection into the causes of riot violence, into mission and masculinities, and into modern expressions of misogyny. Even before Adolescence was the most talked about Netflix drama for some time, MTAG was looking at the influence of the manosphere, incel culture and online incitement to violence against women and girls and this continues to be something the group is continuing to study into in order to address concerns about what is happening in our society and what the churches can do to effect better social cohesion, neighbourhood reconciliation, and stand up for victims of oppression.

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Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Trustees’ Report (Incorporating the Directors’ Report) (continued) Year Ended 31 December 2024

We have continued to work with Relational Church – contributing to online conversations on ‘isolation’ and ‘time for change’. We are also working with other members of Relational Church involved in mission, including a project to support and contribute to the diplomatic community in London, through supporting the new Dean of Mission.

Evangelism

As reported last year, we are supporting Professor John Drane in an initiative at Kelvinside Hillhead Parish Church as the transformation of this church takes place and congregations start to grow. Notable events have included the missional effects of holding a wedding during the regular Sunday service, and a creative and moving event on Ash Wednesday.

As previously noted, the publication of an article on ‘Five Themes in a Theology of Evangelism’ has received new traction and interest.

Apologetics

The Spiritual Journeys platform was overhauled last year and checked over by Melchior, the web host. We continue resourcing of spiritual seekers through www.spiritualjourneys.org.uk and developing ways to allow Christians to develop and share their faith in simple ways. Some of our developed Sense Making Faith materials, for example, our ‘what’s going on?’ materials about church services, are frequently downloaded as first base teaching materials.

MTAG continues to provide digital theology and apologetics, through MTAG’s social media channels, by posting ‘think-pieces’, provoking conversations, and facilitating discussions. For example, we produced a piece on ‘naming’ as a way of thinking about the first question in the Church of England’s BCP cathechism: ‘what is your name?’ and how this has become more of a vexed question in modern society.

Mission

In response to an external event on mission as ‘composting’, MTAG has produced materials on mission as nutrition (as opposed to feeding and eating). This was followed up by a piece on the spirituality of ‘crumbs’ which drove online interest from our followers.

MTAG’s Facebook page had an interested response to a piece on ‘mud and mission’.

Anne Richards’ article on cathedrals and mission, reported last year, is being included in a special issue book from Taylor and Francis, bringing it to a wider readership.

Development

MTAG is looking at further expanding its online presence on other online forums as our followers grow.

We have found that supporting our members and other partners provides an effective theological sounding board for work being done elsewhere in areas of public policy and social concern, chaplaincy, cathedrals, digital mission, creative outreach and inclusion.

Racial Justice

Since the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, there has been church and societal interest in racial justice matters.

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Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Trustees’ Report (Incorporating the Directors’ Report) (continued) Year Ended 31 December 2024

Looking forward to 2025:

Black History Month

Looking forward to 2025:

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Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Trustees’ Report (Incorporating the Directors’ Report) (continued) Year Ended 31 December 2024

Racial Justice Sunday

This initiative enables churches to remember the importance of racial justice, reflect on human diversity and thank God for it, and respond by working to end injustice, racism and ignorance through prayer and action.

Looking forward to 2025:

Racial Justice Advocacy Forum (RJAF)

Website: www.rjaf.org.uk

Racial Justice Advocacy Forum (RJAF) works to advocate on behalf of Black and Brown Christians.

Looking forward to 2025:

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Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Trustees’ Report (Incorporating the Directors’ Report) (continued) Year Ended 31 December 2024

Inter Faith Dialogue

Inter faith dialogue is another area that has attracted particular attention from churches and the wider society in recent years due to international tensions, and it is also an area of long-term investment by CTBI since it was established. In particular there is concern about how the Israel-Palestine Conflict has impacted inter faith relationships in the UK and Ireland. In July Deputy General Secretary, Revd Dr Peter Colwell facilitated an ecumenical roundtable for member churches at which they heard from Jewish and Muslim speakers who offered their insights on how the conflict as impacted their communities in our domestic contexts.

CTBI continues to work with the Christian-Muslim Forum on a resource that helps Christians better understand their Muslim neighbours in the face of Anti-Muslim hatred. This follows a similar project on Antisemitism that was undertaken in partnership with the Council of Christians and Jews.

The Inter Faith Theological Advisory Group (IFTAG) took forward a number of matters:

In October, members of IFTAG led a residential workshop at the requestion of the Council for World Mission (formerly the London Missionary Society). Those attending the workshop came from a diverse range of contexts including Pacific Islands (including Samoa, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea), Africa (including Malawi in South Africa), Asia (Hong Kong, India, South Korea and Taiwan), Jamaica and New Zealand. This included a visit to Luton to see how grassroots inter faith works in practice.

The Churches Forum for Inter-Religious Relations (CFIRR) continues to provide an important place where the churches come together to discuss matters of religious pluralism. In 2024 its residential meeting in Glasgow. There we heard from Interfaith Glasgow about its work and from Scottish churches about their priorities in inter faith relations. Peter Colwell also led a session on inter faith relations in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict with special reference to Jewish-Christian and Christian-Muslim relations and theologies of land.

Social inclusion and a healthy society

Sharing about the ways in which the Church is responding to poverty and social exclusion was a recurring theme throughout our meetings in 2024. As the UK Government’s Covid-19 Inquiry moved into module 10, examining the societal impact of the pandemic, CTBI facilitated sharing between NEIs and member churches about the learning and lasting impact of this experience.

Strategic Priority 3 – Healing Society’s Fractures: Identities, Borders and Nationalities

Under this strategic priority CTBI places particular emphasis on theological reflection, British-Irish relations, reimagining borders, and state engagement with faith communities.

Theological reflection

CTBI supports the Network for Theology and Justice in partnership with Luther King House. A key activity of this network is the annual David Goodbourn Lecture. The 2024 lecture was given by the Dr Clare Amos with the title: “All because of Religion: Religion, Violence and the Imperative of Transfiguration”.

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Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Trustees’ Report (Incorporating the Directors’ Report) (continued) Year Ended 31 December 2024

Slavery Legacies and Reparations

CTBI is working alongside partner groups to equip Christians and churches with the resources and confidence to address issues linked to slavery legacies, and reparations.

Looking forward to 2025:

British-Irish Relations

Through CTBI our member churches are committed to supporting the ongoing work of peace and reconciliation on these islands, following the three strands of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement: (i) relationships within Northern Ireland; (ii) on the island of Ireland and (iii) between the UK and Ireland. During 2023 we marked the 25[th] anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. In March CTBI trustees travelled to Belfast for their annual residential where, in addition to the regular trustee business, they had an opportunity to learn from the work of the Irish Council of Churches and Irish Inter-Church Meeting. Meeting in the Duncairn Centre in North Belfast we explored together with ICC/IICM colleagues the challenges and opportunities of The Unfinished Work of Peace strategy and how this informed the work of Rev Karen Campbell in her role as Good Relations Officer. CTBI is glad to contribute to this work through the Ecumenical Fund and we look forward to continuing to share the learning, with particular emphasis on the third strand of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement which seeks to promote East-West relations across these islands in support of peace and reconciliation.

To gain a better understanding of the wider context for this work trustees heard a presentation from two representatives of the Wave Trauma Centre about the impact of violence on families and communities and the ongoing suffering of victims and survivors. They spoke about efforts to promote post-traumatic growth and help victims and survivors understand that they are more than their trauma. In a session facilitated by Rev Gary Mason of Rethinking Conflict, participants heard from two ex-combatants, from different sides in the conflict, about their experiences. They spoke of the context in which they each became involved in paramilitary groups as teenagers, the impact of long-term imprisonment, the factors that motivated them to support the peace process on their release from prison, and the challenges and opportunities of their work in communities today. CTBI looks forward to continuing to support this work in any way we can. We noted how the learning from this experience can contribute to other areas of CTBI’s work, supporting local church communities to respond to the aftermath of racially or religiously-motivated violence, and to the rising problem of violent crimes against young people.

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Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Trustees’ Report (Incorporating the Directors’ Report) (continued) Year Ended 31 December 2024

Reimagining borders

A particular focus of CTBI’s work in recent years has been to explore how our Christian understanding of the Kingdom of God might transform our approach to borders, considering these not as barriers that divide people, but as places where people meet.

Churches’ Refugee Network (CRN)

The CRN’s activities have become timelier, given the riots that took place in the summer of 2024. Those disturbing events, which in some instances targeted asylum seekers living in hostels and hotels, came on the back of certain politicians, opinion formers and those with links to far-right organisations using intemperate language regarding those seeking refuge on these shores. Consequently, immigration/asylum remains a contested matter, and the CRN will continue to encourage, inspire and educate British and Irish churches on how best to engage with asylum, refugee and migration issues.

Looking forward to 2025:

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Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Trustees’ Report (Incorporating the Directors’ Report) (continued) Year Ended 31 December 2024

Church of Sanctuary

Website: https://churchofsanctuary.org/

This project continues to have real impact in its efforts to encourage British and Irish churches to be welcoming and hospitable to strangers. The Church of Sanctuary (COS):

Looking forward to 2025:

Strategic Priority 4 – Working for Global Peace and Justice

This strategic priority includes work in the area of climate justice, international ecumenical peace networks, the theme of religion, violence and human rights and freedom of religion or belief.

Climate Justice

During last year’s Season of Creation CTBI, with the support of our Environmental Issues Network, contributed to the development of a collective advocacy initiative which saw over seventy churches and Christian institutions sign a Statement of Concern addressed to five leading UK high street banks (Barclays, HSBC, Santander, NatWest and Lloyds) about their continued investment in fossil fuels.

The initiative was based on a wide-ranging partnership, which included one of CTBI’s Bodies in Association — Just Money Movement — as well as Christian Climate Action, the World Council of Churches and the Laudato Sì movement. The partnership extended beyond the faith sector with the participation of Make My Money Matter and Bank Better. It built on earlier conversations with CTBI member church representatives which noted an increasing awareness among churches of the need for attention to banking and finance as a key element of the response to issues of climate justice and a desire for support to help churches discern how best to engage and take action.

The focus of the Statement of Concern reflects the diversity of ways in which churches and faith-based organisations are responding to these issues: some have intentionally and publicly switched banks as part of their advocacy and awareness-raising; some have been using their position as shareholders to lobby for positive change and engage in dialogue with the banks. Others are exploring their options before deciding which approach might work best in their particular circumstances.

The Statement was launched shortly after the end of Season of Creation on 19th November and received prominent coverage in The Times and in church press. Critically, it has proved to be a helpful tool for dialogue, opening up conversations with banks addressed in the Statement.

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Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Trustees’ Report (Incorporating the Directors’ Report) (continued) Year Ended 31 December 2024

Learning from the experience of Climate Sunday

In 2021 CTBI worked with a range of other partner organisations to develop and facilitate the Climate Sunday initiative in the lead up to the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow. The planned evaluation was delayed by COVID-19 and only took place in 2024. That delay created a new and ultimately helpful context for this research because the focus became less about the immediate impact of the initiative and more about the long-term legacy of this piece of work. This is important because the Climate Sunday partnership represented a significant investment of time and other resources from the participating organisations and knowing how this was experienced in the local church context will help future planning. As might be expected, a mixed picture emerges from the feedback received. On the one hand we can say that there is a growing interest in issues of climate justice and care of creation among churches, and for some that were looking for a way in or a place to start the Climate Sunday initiative was immensely helpful. However, there is still significant resistance in some churches. It would be helpful to understand this better, but there is a delicate balance to be struck here. It is not for CTBI or any other ecumenical body to be dictating to local churches what they should be doing and talking about, we can only invite them to get involved in our work. At the same time, it is worth exploring whether there is anything we could do in terms of language or approaches that would strengthen that invitation and make it more accessible to a wider range of participants. The questions raised by this report have been discussed within the Environmental Issues Network and in other dialogues with our membership.

International ecumenical peace networks

International participation and learning on the theme of faith-based peacebuilding has been a central pillar of CTBI’s work. There has been long-term engagement in the Israel-Palestine conflict through the facilitation of meetings, events, resources for theological reflection and support for the World Council of Churches’ Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme (EAPPI).

Since 2018 CTBI has been funding a five-year project in partnership with the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) entitled ‘A Reconciled Land’. The overarching objective for this project has been to strengthen our ecumenical approach to reconciliation through theological reflection, social analysis, action-learning, and community-based dialogues around issues of land. This programme works to build dialogue within affected communities who are at the nexus of local, regional, national, and international pressures which threaten their livelihoods and could cause reoccurrence of ethno-religious unrest, tensions and conflict. Using these dialogues to deepen understanding of the nexus between God, people, and land, helps to enhance Christians’ theology of land informing both the Sri Lankan church response to conflict resolution and, through CTBI, wider international conversations and learning about the nature of living together in a reconciled land. Within this framework there were three initial primary areas of focus: women’s leadership, environment, and peace. The grant funding for this project came to an end in 2024, but the relationship with the NCCSL will continue. A report is being produced to help share the learning, and a seminar series will be developed to explore the themes emerging from this work in a wider international context. Trustees also agreed that in 2025 CTBI’s remaining International Fund will be used to provide a small grant to support the work to achieve long-term financial sustainability for the community groups supported by the Reconciled Land Project.

Freedom of Religion or Belief

Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) continues to be significant part of CTBI’s engagement around inter-religious matters. CTBI is a Stakeholder in the UK FoRB Forum. CTBI continues to monitor how FoRB impacts the agendas of churches with a regular report on this matter to the Churches’ Forum for Inter-Religious Relations.

Strategic Priority 5 – Promoting Ethical and Inclusive Leadership

This strategic priority includes work on themes of ethical leadership, support for the next generation of leaders, gender justice and women’s leadership and the development of collective advocacy.

Ethical leadership

As part of a focus on ethical leadership CTBI has been working with partners to support member churches’ engagement with the next General Elections in the UK and Ireland. The Churches’ General Election website https://churcheselection.org.uk/ provided a space for sharing information, resources and publicity for electionrelated meetings and events. We worked with partners to provide a resource and introductory webinar for local inter-church groups preparing to host a hustings. The theme for the CTBI 2024 Lenten reflection, ‘Politics at the service of the common good’, further supported engagement with the challenges and opportunities presented by political engagement and participation by church communities.

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Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Trustees’ Report (Incorporating the Directors’ Report) (continued) Year Ended 31 December 2024

Support for the next generation of leaders

CTBI supports the work of the Children’s Ministry Network (CMN) which brings together representatives of member churches and faith-based organisations working in this area for networking, sharing of resources and collaboration. The Network organises conferences and an annual residential for members. The 2024 conference had a focus on safeguarding with input from Thirty-one Eight.

Violence Affecting Young People

https://wearesynergy.org.uk/

CTBI is part of the Synergy Network (SN) whose work aims to address violence affecting young people (VAYP) in Britain and Ireland. The SN continues to engage with youth workers, church leaders and the young people impacted by VAYP. The SN:

Looking forward to 2025:

15

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Trustees’ Report (Incorporating the Directors’ Report) (continued) Year Ended 31 December 2024

Gender justice and women’s leadership

Women’s leadership is supported through the Pauline Webb fund which provides grants to support women’s participation in ecumenical work. The programme was established with the support of the late Dr Pauline Webb of the Methodist Church in honour of her leadership in ecumenism, internationally and closer to home. The fund awards grants of up to £1000 as a contribution towards travel or other costs to enable women to:

As part of the application process participants are asked to provide details of how they will use the experience gained to contribute to the promotion of ecumenism.

During 2024 grants were awarded to enable women to: undertake a placement with the Anglican Chaplaincy in Oslo, Norway; attend the World Christianity Summer Institute 2024 in Cambridge; represent Ireland at the Lausanne Global Congress in Seoul, South Korea; and participate in an internship programme with the World Communion of Reformed Churches in Hannover, Germany.

CTBI Websites and Social Media

https://ctbi.org.uk/

Our main website, ctbi.org.uk, recently refreshed and updated, continues to be popular with resources for observing the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Remembrance Sunday and Racial Justice Sunday in highest demand. We continue to provide resources for ecumenical groups and individuals to use during Lent, and also feature resources for the Season of Creation.

The website provides up-to-date responses from the churches and Christian organisations relating to many current events of concern, such as the conflict in Israel and Gaza.

There’s also interest in how the churches are responding to issues such as refugees through the Churches’ Refugee Network (CRN) and the Church of Sanctuary initiative, and the website covers key areas of CTBI’s work such as Justice and Inclusion and Interfaith.

Social media

Twitter: @ctbi Facebook: www.facebook.com/ctbishare/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/ctbimedia/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/ctbimedia/ Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/ctbi.bsky.social/

Other websites

We currently have a number of websites (some already mentioned above):

16

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Trustees’ Report (Incorporating the Directors’ Report) (continued) Year Ended 31 December 2024

Financial Review

Donations in 2024 derive mainly from member church subscriptions, with some small donations and grants. Subscription rates are set annually at the AGM by the membership – the rates remain unchanged and income from this source remained at a similar level to last year. Investment income derives from our portfolio of investments but the largest element consists of rent received from the British and Irish Churches Trust in respect of CTBI’s ownership share in Inter Church House. Charitable activities generate income from various events and the provision of services to other ecumenical organisations. Income from sales of publications increased yearon-year, while event income decreased.

Expenditure increased compared to 2023. Grant expenditure was slightly lower than the previous year, but costs in other areas increased. Staff costs increased in line with cost of living increments applied to the payscales. There was a one-off increase to pension costs of £26,607 in relation to a valuation of the historical pension deficit, as outlined in Note 17. Office costs increased due to planned expenditure on website development.

The charity had net expenditure (before investment gains and transfers) on the general fund of £171,372 for the year (2023: £105,547). Designated funds had net expenditure of £13,914 (2023: £11,828), which includes sales proceeds and costs from publications. Restricted funds show net expenditure of £9,558 (2023: £1,683).

The value of investments has shown net gains (realised and unrealised) of £73,581 during the year (2023: gains of £57,484). The Charity’s reserves remain at a satisfactory level.

Investments and property

The Trustees may invest any funds not immediately required by CTBI into such investments, securities or property as they believe would be beneficial to CTBI. The portfolio of investments is managed on a discretionary basis by Investec Wealth & Investment Limited, subject to certain ethical restrictions laid down by the Trustees. These arrangements are monitored by the Finance and General Purposes Committee of CTBI, which reports to the Trustees. In addition CTBI holds, as a programme related investment, Inter Church House which is occupied by Christian Aid for use as their headquarters. From October 2018, CTBI has also been based in this property.

Investment policy and performance

CTBI investments are held in a portfolio of equities and securities managed on a discretionary basis by Investec with the aim of providing income and growth. This fund was benchmarked against a weighted composite benchmark in line with the asset allocation. Investment performance has shown a total net gain of 6.3% against a benchmark gain of 10.2%. The Trustees continue to engage proactively with the investment manager to ensure our investments meet our requirements, and are satisfied with the performance of the investment portfolio during the year.

17

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Trustees’ Report (Incorporating the Directors’ Report) (continued) Year Ended 31 December 2024

Reserves

The charity held total funds of £2,016,986 at the year end. A permanent endowment fund of £56,487 is held to support the production of ecumenical materials and resources. Designated funds amount to £975,292 and include the Property Fund of £726,160, which can only be realised on the disposal of programme related investments, and the Ecumenical Fund of £225,341 to support the national ecumenical instruments. Other designated funds are set aside to support longer term work of the charity, including publication of resource materials and support of websites. Restricted funds of £102,481 are held for a range of projects and grantgiving activities.

CTBI needs reserves to enable it to meet both its on-going commitments in respect of its general charitable activities and to meet its future operating requirements. The Trustees have assessed the required reserves having taken into account six months on-going expenses plus known existing and future liabilities together with a contingency to allow for unforeseen negative short term fluctuations in the value of investments held. This assessment requires a minimum level of free reserves (i.e. general funds less amounts represented by the net book value of fixed assets) of £700,000. A minimum level of investment income is required to be maintained to enable the current level of activity to continue into the future.

The level of free reserves as at 31 December 2024, represented by the general fund excluding the amount held as tangible fixed assets, amounted to £882,726. The Trustees are satisfied that the level of reserves held is adequate and in line with the policy.

Grant making policy

The charity makes grants to individuals and institutions in furtherance of its charitable objectives. The principal source of grant funding is the designated Ecumenical Fund, which supports ecumenical work carried out by any of the four national ecumenical instruments in Britain and Ireland. These bodies can apply for grant funding to support new or ongoing work. Applications are assessed by the Trustees in line with wider charitable and strategic objectives.

Grants are also made from the Pauline Webb restricted fund to support women’s leadership in ecumenism.

Expenditure on grants during the year is detailed in note 8 to the accounts. Some grants are made as part of the ecumenical programme work of the charity. The allocation of grant costs between activities is shown in notes 6 and 8 to the accounts.

Key Management Personnel

Remuneration levels for key management personnel are set annually as part of the budgeting process and approved by Trustees, in accordance with the charity’s payscales. Details of remuneration paid to key management personnel are provided in note 7 to the accounts on page 28.

Volunteers

The charity benefits from the involvement of many volunteers in the planning and delivery of its charitable activities. The charity is grateful, in particular, for those who volunteer as Trustees, and those who contribute to the writing and production of worship resources for publication by the charity.

Future plans

Much of our future programme work is outlined above on a project by project basis. We hope there will be significant strides forward in many of our new and ongoing areas of work. In addition, the General Secretary will work with trustees, staff and stakeholders to implement the new organisational strategy to guide the charity’s work over the coming years.

18

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Trustees, Report (Incorporating the Directors. Report) {continuedl Year Ended 31 December 2024 RSsk assessment The Trustees undertake regular assessment of the risks and uncertaintie5 that face the charity, principally financial shortfall as a result of reduced member subscriptions or investment 1055es- shortfa115 in compliance,. legal and emergency risks. Action taken to minimise the risk5 concerned include adequate insurance provision. spreading investment risk and careful management and checks of procedure5. The risk assessment Is reviewed continually by the Finance and General Purposes Committee and is revisited by the Trustees on an annual basis. Independent Examiner Helen 81undell. LLB FCA FCIE DChA has indicated her willingne5S to be reappointed as independent examiner during the forthcoming year and a resolution to reappoint her will be put to the Annual General Meeting. Statement of Trustee< Responslbilities The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for eath financial year in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accountin8 Standards and applicable lawl. Under company law the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of its net incominyJoutgoin8 resources for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently: observe the method and principles of the Statement of Recommended Prartice for Charities: make judgments and estimate5 that are reasonable and prudent,. state whether applicable accounting Standards have been followed. subjert to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statement5,' prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue to operate. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that are Sufficient to show and explain the charitable compan￿$ transaction5 and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply wtth the Companies Act 2006. 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 irregulaflties. The report of the Trustees has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to small companies subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2(X)6. th The Trustees report was approved by the Trustees on 19 June 2024 and is 518ned on their behalf by: 2ozS Revd Graham Sparkes Trustee Company Number: 05661787

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 21 to 39.

This report is made solely to the charitable company’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and the charitable company’s trustees as a body in accordance with section 154 of the Charities Act 2011. My independent examiner’s work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charitable company’s trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an independent examiner’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company, the charitable company’s members as a body and the charitable company’s trustees as a body for my independent examiner’s work, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

Since the Company’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or

  4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

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.

Helen Blundell, LLB FCA FCIE DChA

Date: 26 June 2025

Crowe U.K. LLP

Black Country House Rounds Green Road Oldbury West Midlands B69 2DG

20

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Notes
INCOME FROM:
Donations and grants
2
Charitable activities
3
Investments
4
Total income
EXPENDITURE ON:
Raising Funds
Charitable activities
5
Total expenditure
Net (expenditure) / income
before gains on investments
Net gains on investments
12
Net (expenditure) / income
Transfers between funds
18
Net movement in funds
18
Reconciliation of Funds
Total Funds brought forward
Total Funds carried forward		 Unrestricted funds
General
Designated
Fund
Funds
£
£
139,963
-
10,084
3,992
379,129
3,283
529,176
7,275
12,580
1,292
687,968
19,897
700,548
21,189
(171,372)
(13,914)
62,063
6,372
(109,309)
(7,542)
-
561
(109,309)
(6,981)
992,035
982,273
882,726
975,292		 Restricted
Funds
£
2,000
4,780
1,867
8,647
680
17,525
18,205
(9,558)
3,353
(6,205)
-
(6,205)
108,686
102,481		 Endowment
Funds
£
-
-
924
924
363
-
363
561
1,793
2,354
(561)
1,793
54,694
56,487		 Total
2024
£
141,963
18,856
385,203
546,022
14,915
725,390
740,305
(194,283)
73,581
(120,702)
-
(120,702)
2,137,688
2,016,986		 Total
2023
£
143,045
22,575
392,290
557,910
14,950
661,309
676,259
(118,349)
57,484
(60,865)
-
(60,865)
2,198,553
2,137,688

The notes on pages 24 to 39 form part of these financial statements

21

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Balance Sheet 31 December 2024 2024 2023 Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets Quoted investments Interest in Inter-church House Totsl Fixed A￿ts li 275 12a 1,542,670 526,160 1,602,195 526,160 2,128.630 12b 2.068J30 CURRENT ASSErs Debtors Cash at bank and short term deposit Total Current Assets 9,636 47.003 56,639 26,919 70,799 97,718 UABILITIES Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 14 80,715 174,3471 CURRENT IUABILITIE511 ASSETS (24,076) 23,371 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT UABIUTIES 2.044.754 2,152.001 CREDITORS: amounts falling due in More than one year 15 127,768) 114,3131 TOTAL NET ASSETS 2,016,986 2.137,688 THE FUNDS OF THE CHARrrY 18120 Unrestricted - General fund Unrestricted - Designated funds - Property fund 882,726 249,132 726,160 992,035 256.113 726,160 1,974.308 1,858,018 Restricted funds Endowed funds 102A81 56A87 108,686 54,694 TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS 2,016,986 2.137,688 The companrfs financial statements have been prepared in accordance with provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. For the year ended 31 December 2024 the company was entitled to exemption from an audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 1"the Act") relating to small companies. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Art. The directors atknowled8e their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements. These financial statements were approved by the Trustees and authorised for issue on Il, June 202S and are signed on their behalf by: Revd Graham Sparkes Trustee 11 202f The notes on pagts Z4 to 39 forrn part of these finandal statements Company Number. 05661787 22

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Statement of Cashflows

Year Ended 31 December 2024

Notes
Cash flows used in operating activities
22
Cash flows from investing activities
Dividends, interest and rents from
investments
Proceeds from sale of investments
Movement in investment cash held
Purchase of investments
Cash provided by investing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the
year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning
of the year
Total cash and cash equivalents at the end
of the year
Analysis of cash and cash equivalents:
Cash at bank
Deposit accounts
Cash in hand		 £
385,203
283,875
14,694
(165,463)		 2024
£
£
(542,105)
392,290
295,654
(31,815)
(148,889)
518,309
(23,796)
70,799
47,003
10,418
36,370
215
47,003		 2023
£
(551,791)
507,240
(44,551)
115,350
70,799
28,325
42,259
215
70,799

The notes on pages 24 to 39 form part of these financial statements

23

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Notes to the Financial Statements

Year Ended 31 December 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

b) Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) – (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under historical cost convention with the exception of investments which are included at market value.

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.

c) Going Concern

The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern for the foreseeable future. The charity has continued to produce revised budget forecasts for the next 5 years and have taken decisions which reduce costs in order to ensure the core work of the charity can be funded in a sustainable way. The Trustees are confident that both the level of reserves held, and the revised budgets, mean that the charity will be able to continue to operate effectively for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis.

d) Fixed Assets

All items with a value of over £1,000 are capitalised. Depreciation is provided on a straight line basis at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life as follows:

Freehold properties - Nil Office furniture and equipment - up to 5 years Computer equipment - up to 4 years

The Trustees review the carrying value of the property to determine if any impairment has been incurred as at the Balance Sheet date, and an impairment adjustment is made to reflect any such reduction in value.

e) Investments

Investments are included at market value as at the Balance Sheet date. The surplus or deficit against cost or latest valuation, combined with differences between carrying value (or cost if acquired during the year) and the proceeds of investments disposed of, is included as gains or losses in the Statement of Financial Activities.

The interest in Inter-Church House represents the former offices of CTBI which are let to a Christian organisation with complementary aims and objectives to those of CTBI. The interest of CTBI in the property is accordingly shown in the financial statements as a programme related investment and carried in the Balance Sheet at the original amount invested less any impairment. The Trustees regularly review the carrying value and do not consider any impairment is needed.

24

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Notes to the Financial Statements

Year Ended 31 December 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably. Income received by way of grants and donations is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable. Where entitlement is conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity, grants are recognised when the charity earns the right to consideration by its performance. Where a grant or donation is given for a specific purpose, it is included in restricted income and any unexpended portion is carried forward as a restricted fund. Subscriptions, which are deemed to be voluntary, are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which the income relates. All other income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities as and when entitlement arises, the amount can be reliably quantified and the economic benefit to the charity is considered probable.

g) Expenditure

Expenditure is included in the Statement of Financial Activities on an accruals basis, inclusive of VAT. Charitable activity costs include attributable staff and other costs for each area of the organisation together with a corresponding apportionment of support costs. The apportionment is done on the basis of staff time spent on each activity. Governance costs are those associated with constitutional and statutory requirements and include an allocation of overhead costs relating to those activities.

h) Grant Making

Grants payable are recognised when a constructive obligation arises that results in the payment being unavoidable and are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities on an accruals basis. The Trustees or designated subcommittees decide which organisations or individuals should receive grants, and the level which should be granted.

i) Pension Costs

CTBI does not have its own pension scheme, but contributes to denominational schemes or TPT Retirement Solutions Growth Plan as is appropriate for individual staff members. All staff are entitled to join a pension scheme. Contributions to such schemes are recorded as part of staff costs. Pension costs are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities as they are incurred.

The TPT Growth Plan is in most respects a money purchase arrangement, but does include certain guaranteed benefit elements. The Plan is a multi-employer scheme. As such it is not possible in the normal course of events to identify the share of the underlying assets belonging to the individual participating employers, and accordingly, in accordance with section 28 of FRS 102, is also accounted for as a defined contribution scheme with contributions being recorded as they become payable.

j) Classes of Charitable Funds

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds are funds set aside by the Trustees from the general funds for specific purposes.

Restricted funds are monies, which have legal restrictions on their use where donors have specified the funds can only be spent on certain of the Charity’s activities.

Permanent Endowment funds are funds where the Trustees are required to hold capital, mainly represented by investments, and are not entitled to spend them. Income arising from these funds represents unrestricted income.

k) Liabilities

Liabilities are recognised once there is legal or constructive obligation that commits the Charity to the obligation.

l) Operating Leases

Rentals under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities as incurred.

25

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Notes to the Financial Statements

Year Ended 31 December 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

m) Financial Instruments

The charity only has financial assets and liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially measured at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.

Financial assets measured at fair value comprise of quoted investments.

Financial assets measured at settlement value comprise of cash, trade debtors, and other debtors.

Financial liabilities measured at settlement value comprise of trade creditors, sundry creditors and accruals.

i) Useful economic lives of tangible assets

The annual depreciation charges for the tangible assets are sensitive to changes in the estimate useful economic lives and residual values of the assets. The useful economic lives and residual values are reassessed annually. They are amended when necessary to reflect current estimates, based on economic utilisation and the physical condition of the assets. See note 11 for the carrying amount of tangible assets and note 1 d) above for the useful lives for each class of asset.

ii) Impairment of fixed assets

Freehold property and programme-related investments are subject to an annual review, by trustees, for impairment based on market factors.

o) Taxation

As a charity, the organisation is exempt from UK corporation tax to the extent that its income is applied to its charitable objects. No liability arose in the period.

2. DONATIONS AND GRANTS

Members subscriptions
Grants
Donations incl Gift Aid		 2024
General
£
137,900
-
2,063
139,963		 2024
Designated
£
-
-
-
-		 2024
Restricted
£
-
2,000
-
2,000		 2024
Endowment
£
-
-
-
-		 2024
Total
£
137,900
2,000
2,063
141,963		 2023
Total
£
141,550
-
1,495
143,045

3. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Publication sales
Event fees
Management services		 2024
General
£
8,484
-
1,600
10,084		 2024
Designated
£
3,992
-
-
3,992		 2024
Restricted
£
-
4,780
-
4,780		 2024
Endowment
£
-
-
-
-		 2024
Total
£
12,476
4,780
1,600
18,856		 2023
Total
£
4,144
17,231
1,200
22,575

26

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Notes to the Financial Statements

Year Ended 31 December 2024

4. INVESTMENTS

Rental income
Investment income
Interest		 2024
General
£
345,000
31,978
2,151
379,129		 2024
Designated
£
-
3,283
-
3,283		 2024
Restricted
£
-
1,728
139
1,867		 2024
Endowment
£
-
924
-
924		 2024
Total
£
345,000
37,913
2,290
385,203		 2023
Total
£
345,000
45,320
1,970
392,290

Rental income is received in respect of the CTBI proportion of Inter Church House. Investment income is mainly derived from return on the investment portfolio which is managed on behalf of CTBI on a discretionary basis.

5. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Ecumenical programmes
Resources
Grant making		 2024
General
£
451,323
233,148
3,498
687,969		 2024
Designated
£
6,006
13,809
81
19,896		 2024
Restricted
£
14,720
-
2,805
17,525		 2024
Endowment
£
-
-
-
-		 2024
Total
£
472,049
246,957
6,384
725,390		 2023
Total
£
437,896
217,861
5,552
661,309

6. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Alloc-
ation
Staff costs
1
Meetings and
travel costs
2
Office costs
2
Depreciation
2
Independent
examiner’s fees
3
Other costs
2
Publication costs
3
Grants (note 8)
3
Governance
4
Support costs
4
Total 2024
Total 2023		 Ecumen-
ical prog-
rammes
£
185,138
21,237
28,293
-
-
16,219
-
22,466
24,038
174,658
472,049
437,895		 Resources
£
91,626
12,582
18,395
-
-
3,832
631
-
14,504
105,387
246,957
217,860		 Grant
making
£
679
74
103
-
-
28
-
2,805
326
2,369
6,384
5,554		 Govern-
ance
£
18,855
11,585
2,869
-
4,770
789
-
-
(38,868)
-
-
-		 Support
£
150,654
9,739
101,074
275
-
20,672
-
-
-
(282,414)
-
-		 2024
Total
£
446,952
55,217
150,734
275
4,770
41,540
631
25,271
-
-
725,390
661,309		 2023
Total
£
412,912
60,957
119,034
549
4,314
34,915
707
27,921
-
-
661,309

Basis of allocation:

  1. Staff costs have been allocated between charitable activities based on time spent weighted by the salary cost of each member of staff.

  2. Other costs have been allocated based on staff costs.

  3. Direct costs have been charged appropriately.

  4. Governance and support costs have been re-allocated on the basis of staff time.

27

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Notes to the Financial Statements

Year Ended 31 December 2024

7. ANALYSIS OF STAFF COSTS, TRUSTEE REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES AND THE COST OF KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

Wages and salaries net of statutory payments reimbursed
Social security costs
Pension costs
Adjustment to pension deficit provision		 2024
£
337,449
33,063
49,833
26,607
446,952		 2023
£
332,300
32,043
48,593
(24)
412,912

Three employees (2023: three) received remuneration in the band £60,000 to £70,000 during the accounting period.

No Trustees received remuneration for their services as Trustees (2023: Nil) in the year, nor for any other services provided (2023: nil). During the year 5 (2023: 4) Trustees received meeting expenses to cover travelling costs and other expenses totalling £2,051 (2023: £1,246). Gemma King, a trustee, received a grant of £600 from the Pauline Webb Fund during the year.

Total remuneration paid to key management personnel during the year, including employer’s NIC and pension contributions, amounted to £155,010 (2023: £151,452). Key management personnel are the General Secretary and Assistant General Secretary.

2024 2023
The average monthly number of employees during the year was: No. No.
Total on a headcount basis, including part time employees 7 7
Full time equivalent 6.5 6.6

8. GRANTS DISBURSED DURING THE YEAR

Analysis of grants
Grants to organisations
Number
£
Individual grants
-
-
International grants
1
15,000
Ecumenical grants
1
7,466
Total 2024
2
22,466
Total 2023
3
25,675
Details of grants made during the year:
Charitable Activity
Grants to individuals
Grant-making
Grants to organisations
Ecumenical programmes
Direct grant expenditure
Administration of Grants
Grant-making
Allocation of support & governance costs
Grant-making
Total Grant making
During the year, the following institutional grants were made:
Recipient
Fund
NCCSL
General Fund
Ascension Trust
General Fund
Total		 Grants to individuals
Number
£
4
2,805
-
-
-
-
4
2,805
3
2,246
2024
2023
£
£
2,805
2,246
22,466
25,675
25,271
27,921
1,210
817
2,369
2,491
28,850
31,229
£
15,000
7,466
22,466		 Grants to individuals
Number
£
4
2,805
-
-
-
-
4
2,805
3
2,246
2024
2023
£
£
2,805
2,246
22,466
25,675
25,271
27,921
1,210
817
2,369
2,491
28,850
31,229
£
15,000
7,466
22,466
2,805
2,246
2023
£
2,246
25,675
27,921
817
2,491
31,229

28

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Notes to the Financial Statements

Year Ended 31 December 2024

9. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging independent examiner’s fees for independent examination of £4,770 (2023: £4,314), depreciation of £275 (2023: £549) and operating lease payments of £38,240 (2023: £36,451).

10. STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - COMPARATIVE FIGURES FOR PRIOR YEAR

The comparative figures for the Statement of Financial Activities, for the year ended 31 December 2023, are shown below:

INCOME FROM:
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Investments
Total income
EXPENDITURE ON:
Raising Funds
Charitable activities
Total expenditure
Net (expenditure) / income
before gains on investments
Net gains on investments
Net (expenditure) / income
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of Funds
Total Funds brought forward
Total Funds carried forward		 Unrestricted funds
General
Designated
Fund
Funds
£
£
141,245
-
2,000
3,844
385,216
3,978
528,461
7,822
12,628
1,312
621,380
18,338
634,008
19,650
(105,547)
(11,828)
48,554
5,046
(56,993)
(6,782)
-
709
(56,993)
(6,073)
1,049,028
988,346
992,035
982,273		 Restricted
Funds
£
1,800
16,731
2,038
20,569
661
21,591
22,252
(1,683)
2,542
859
-
859
107,827
108,686		 Endowment
Funds
£
-
-
1,058
1,058
349
-
349
709
1,342
2,051
(709)
1,342
53,352
54,694		 Total
2023
£
143,045
22,575
392,290
557,910
14,950
661,309
676,259
(118,349)
57,484
(60,865)
-
(60,865)
2,198,553
2,137,688

29

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Notes to the Financial Statements

Year Ended 31 December 2024

11. FIXED ASSETS

IXED ASSETS
Cost
At 1 January and 31 December 2024
Accumulated depreciation
At 1 January 2024
Depreciation charge for the year
31 December 2024
Net book values
31 December 2024
31 December 2023		 Furniture,
IT and office
equipment
£
17,622
17,347
275
17,622
-
275		 Total
£
17,622
17,347
275
17,622
-
275

30

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Notes to the Financial Statements

Year Ended 31 December 2024

12. INVESTMENTS

12 (a) Quoted Investments

All investments are under a discretionary portfolio which is managed by Investec Wealth & Investment Limited.

Market value 1 January
Cost of acquisitions
Proceeds from disposals
Movement in cash held
Net investment gains / (losses)
Market value 31 December
Market value consists of:
Quoted investments
Cash held
Historic cost 31 December
UK Fixed Interest
UK Equities & Funds
UK Property
Overseas Fixed Interest
Overseas Equities & Funds
Overseas Property
Assets & Commodities
Sterling Deposits
Total		 2024
Market
Value
Cost
£
£
128,271
147,896
455,390
413,089
61,760
66,193
-
-
682,881
464,512
17,430
32,839
177,321
214,378
19,617
19,617
1,542,670
1,358,524		 2024
2023
£
£
1,602,195
1,659,661
165,463
148,889
(283,875)
(295,654)
(14,694)
31,815
73,581
57,484
1,542,670
1,602,195
1,523,053
19,617
1,567,885
34,310
1,542,670
1,602,195
1,358,524
1,514,966
2023
Market
value
Cost
£
£
153,874
173,132
353,861
337,752
74,044
81,956
46,320
52,236
672,993
540,545
18,525
32,839
248,268
262,196
34,310
34,310
1,602,195
1,514,966		 2023
£
1,659,661
148,889
(295,654)
31,815
57,484		 2023
£
1,659,661
148,889
(295,654)
31,815
57,484
1,602,195
1,567,885
34,310
1,602,195
1,514,966
1,514,966

12 (b) Programme Related Investment

Programme Related Investment
2024 2023
£ £
Interest in Inter-Church House (Note 1e) 526,160 526,160

CTBI has the right to appoint four out of the ten Trustees to the British and Irish Churches Trust Limited (BICT), a charitable company limited by guarantee with company number 00472409. The objects of BICT are to act as custodian trustee for Churches Together in Britain and Ireland and Christian Aid in relation to the above property.

31

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Notes to the Financial Statements

Year Ended 31 December 2024

13. DEBTORS

EBTORS
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments		 2024
£
696
1,404
7,536
9,636		 2023
£
390
13,430
13,099
26,919

14. CREDITORS: amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Taxation and social security
Pensions
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
15.
CREDITORS: amounts falling due in more than one year
Provision for pension deficit funding obligation (see note 17)		 2024
£
23,757
8,822
7,376
4,744
36,016
80,715
2024
£
27,768		 2023
£
3,885
9,180
17,708
4,744
38,830
74,347
2023
£
14,313

16. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The charity has financial assets and financial liabilities in the following categories:

2024 2023
£ £
Financial assets
Quoted investments measured at fair value (note 12a) 1,523,052 1,567,885

32

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Notes to the Financial Statements Year Ended 31 December 2024

17. PENSION OBLIGATIONS

CTBI participates in the TPT Retirement Solutions Growth Plan pension scheme (“the scheme”), a multiemployer scheme which provides benefits to some 521 non-associated participating employers. The scheme is a defined benefit scheme in the UK. It is not possible for the company to obtain sufficient information to enable it to account for the scheme as a defined benefit scheme. Therefore it accounts for the scheme as a defined contribution scheme.

The scheme is subject to the funding legislation outlined in the Pensions Act 2004 which came into force on 30 December 2005. This, together with documents issued by the Pensions Regulator and Technical Actuarial Standards issued by the Financial Reporting Council, set out the framework for funding defined benefit occupational pension schemes in the UK.

The scheme is classified as a 'last-man standing arrangement'. Therefore the company is potentially liable for other participating employers' obligations if those employers are unable to meet their share of the scheme deficit following withdrawal from the scheme. Participating employers are legally required to meet their share of the scheme deficit on an annuity purchase basis on withdrawal from the scheme.

A full actuarial valuation for the scheme was carried out at 30 September 2023. This valuation showed total scheme assets of £514.9m, liabilities of £531.0m and a deficit of £16.1m. To eliminate this funding shortfall, the Trustee has asked the participating employers to pay additional contributions to the scheme as follows:

Deficit contributions

From 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2028: £2,100,000 per annum (payable monthly)

Note that the scheme’s previous valuation was carried out with an effective date of 30 September 2020. This valuation showed assets of £800.3m, liabilities of £831.9m and a deficit of £31.6m. To eliminate this funding shortfall, the Trustee asked the participating employers to pay additional contributions to the scheme as follows:

Deficit contributions

From 1 April 2022 to 31 January 2025: £3,312,000 per annum (payable monthly)

The recovery plan contributions are allocated to each participating employer in line with their estimated share of the Series 1 and Series 2 scheme liabilities.

During the year, CTBI paid deficit contributions required by the Trustee amounting to £13,557 (2023: £13,557). In January 2025, the additional contributions will be £1,130. From 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2028, the additional contributions will be £9,627 per annum (payable monthly and increasing by 3% each on 1st April).

Where the scheme is in deficit and where the company has agreed to a deficit funding arrangement the company recognises a liability for this obligation. The amount recognised is the net present value of the deficit reduction contributions payable under the agreement that relates to the deficit. The present value is calculated using an appropriate discount rate of 4.90% (2023: 5.31%). The unwinding of the discount rate is recognised as a finance cost.

Provision as at 1 January
Unwinding of the discount factor
Deficit contributions paid
Re-measurements – impact of any change in assumptions
Re-measurements – amendments to the contribution schedule
Provision as at 31 December		 2024
£
14,313
405
(13,557)
173
26,434
27,768		 2023
£
26,920
974
(13,557)
(24)
-
14,313

33

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Notes to the Financial Statements

Year Ended 31 December 2024

18. ANALYSIS OF CHARITABLE FUNDS

General Fund
Retained Funds
Designated Funds
Ecumenical Fund
Redevelopment Fund
Publications Fund
Property Fund
Total Designated Funds
Total Unrestricted Funds
Restricted Funds
International and Mission
Youth Work and Training
Children’s Ministry Network (CMN)
Climate Sunday
Pauline Webb Fund
Total Restricted Funds
Permanent Endowment Funds
Benifold Trust
TOTAL		 Balance at
1 Jan 2024
£
992,035
216,978
9,712
29,423
726,160
982,273
1,974,308
5,636
9,519
14,383
2,354
76,794
108,686
54,694
2,137,688		 Income Expenditure
£
£
529,176
(700,548)
3,283
(1,292)
-
(9,712)
3,992
(10,185)
-
-
7,275
(21,189)
536,451
(721,737)
-
-
-
-
6,919
(12,650)
-
(2,070)
1,728
(3,485)
8,647
(18,205)
924
(363)
546,022
(740,305)		 Investment
Gains
£
62,063
6,372
-
-
-
6,372
68,435
-
-
-
-
3,353
3,353
1,793
73,581		 Transfers
Between
Funds
£
-
-
-
561
-
561
561
-
-
-
-
-
-
(561)
-		 Balance at
31 Dec
2024
£
882,726
225,341
-
23,791
726,160
975,292
1,858,018
5,636
9,519
8,652
284
78,390
102,481
56,487
2,016,986

During the year, the following transfers between funds have been made:

Notes on funds are on page 37 as part of note 20.

34

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Notes to the Financial Statements

Year Ended 31 December 2024

19. ANALYSIS OF CHARITABLE FUNDS – COMPARATIVE FIGURES FOR PRIOR YEAR

General Fund
Retained Funds
Designated Funds
Ecumenical Fund
Redevelopment Fund
Publications Fund
Property Fund
Total Designated Funds
Total Unrestricted Funds
Restricted Funds
International and Mission
Youth Work and Training
Children’s Ministry Network (CMN)
Climate Sunday
Pauline Webb Fund
Total Restricted Funds
Permanent Endowment Funds
Benifold Trust
TOTAL		 Balance at
1 Jan 2023
£
1,049,028
219,941
9,712
32,533
726,160
988,346
2,037,374
5,636
9,519
13,816
3,701
75,155
107,827
53,352
2,198,553		 Income Expenditure
£
£
528,461
(634,008)
3,978
(11,987)
-
-
3,844
(7,663)
-
-
7,822
(19,650)
536,283
(653,658)
-
-
-
-
18,565
(17,998)
-
(1,347)
2,004
(2,907)
20,569
(22,252)
1,058
(349)
557,910
(676,259)		 Investment
Gains
£
48,554
5,046
-
-
-
5,046
53,600
-
-
-
-
2,542
2,542
1,342
57,484		 Transfers
Between
Funds
£
-
-
-
709
-
709
709
-
-
-
-
-
-
(709)
-		 Balance at
31 Dec
2023
£
992,035
216,978
9,712
29,423
726,160
982,273
1,974,308
5,636
9,519
14,383
2,354
76,794
108,686
54,694
2,137,688

Notes on funds are on page 37 as part of note 20.

35

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Notes to the Financial Statements

Year Ended 31 December 2024

20. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

General Fund
Retained Funds
Designated Funds
Ecumenical support
Redevelopment fund
Publications fund
Property Fund
Total Designated Funds
Total Unrestricted Funds
Restricted Funds
International and mission
Youth work and training
Children’s Ministry Network (CMN)
Climate Sunday Fund
Pauline Webb Fund
Permanent Endowed Funds
Benifold Trust
TOTAL AT 31 DECEMBER 2024		 Tangible
Fixed
Assets
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Invest-
ments
£
1,285,494
143,825
-
-
-
143,825
1,429,319
-
-
-
-
72,882
72,882
40,469
1,542,670		 Inter-
Church
House
£
-
-
-
-
526,160
526,160
526,160
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
526,160		 Net
Current
Assets /
(Liabilities)
£
(375,000)
81,516
-
23,791
200,000
305,307
(69,693)
5,636
9,519
8,652
284
5,508
29,599
16,018
(24,076)		 Long term
(Liabilities)
£
(27,768)
-
-
-
-
-
(27,768)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(27,768)		 Total
2024
£
882,726
225,341
-
23,791
726,160
975,292
1,858,018
5,636
9,519
8,652
284
78,390
102,481
56,487
2,016,986

Notes on funds are on page 37.

36

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Notes to the Financial Statements Year Ended 31 December 2024

20. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS (continued)

Designated Funds

The Designated Funds represent amounts, which have been set aside at the discretion of the Trustees. These Designated Funds are to provide for expenditure as detailed below:

Restricted Funds

The Restricted Funds are funds which have been donated with specific restrictions imposed on their use. The funds included within this heading are:

Permanent Endowed Funds

37

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Notes to the Financial Statements

Year Ended 31 December 2024

21. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS – COMPARATIVE FIGURES FOR PRIOR YEAR

General Fund
Retained Funds
Designated Funds
Ecumenical support
Redevelopment fund
Publications fund
Property Fund
Total Designated Funds
Total Unrestricted Funds
Restricted Funds
International and mission
Youth work and training
Children’s Ministry Network (CMN)
Climate Sunday Fund
Pauline Webb Fund
Permanent Endowed Funds
Benifold Trust
TOTAL AT 31 DECEMBER 2023		 Tangible
Fixed
Assets
£
275
-
-
-
-
-
275
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
275		 Invest-
ments
£
1,351,397
138,745
-
-
-
138,745
1,490,142
-
-
-
-
73,013
73,013
39,040
1,602,195		 Inter-
Church
House
Net
Current
Assets /
(Liabilities)
£
£
-
(345,324)
-
78,233
-
9,712
-
29,423
526,160
200,000
526,160
317,368
526,160
(27,956)
-
5,636
-
9,519
-
14,383
-
2,354
-
3,781
-
35,673
-
15,654
526,160
23,371		 Long term
(Liabilities)
£
(14,313)
-
-
-
-
-
(14,313)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(14,313)		 Total
2023
£
992,035
216,978
9,712
29,423
726,160
982,273
1,974,308
5,636
9,519
14,383
2,354
76,794
108,686
54,694
2,137,688

Notes on funds are on page 37 as part of note 20.

38

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Notes to the Financial Statements

Year Ended 31 December 2024

22. CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net (expenditure) for the year
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
(Gains) / losses on investments
Dividends, interest and rents from investments
Decrease / (increase) in debtors
Increase / (decrease) in creditors under one year
Increase / (decrease) in creditors over one year
Net cash (used in) operating activities		 2024
£
(120,702)
275
(73,581)
(385,203)
17,283
6,368
13,455
(421,403)
(542,105)		 2023
£
(60,865)
549
(57,484)
(392,290)
(7,550)
(21,544)
(12,607)
(490,926)
(551,791)

23. OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS

At 31 December 2024 Churches Together in Britain and Ireland had total future minimum payments in respect of its operating lease on premises as follows:

On leases which expire:
In less than one year
Total future minimum lease commitment		 Leased Building
2024
2023
£
£
28,680
28,680
28,680
28,680		 Leased Building
2024
2023
£
£
28,680
28,680
28,680
28,680
28,680

24. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

There are no related party transactions other than those disclosed elsewhere in these financial statements.

39

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Reference and Administrative Details

Directors and Trustees

The Trustees, who are also directors of the company, who were serving at the date of signing these accounts were:

Revd Graham Sparkes Moderator Revd T Alan Anderson† Dr Richard Fasunloye Rt Revd Andrew Forster Bishop Paul Hendricks Revd Alexander Horsburgh Jennifer Jurd Appointed 30 September 2024 Ms Gemma King Ms Gillian Kingston Mr Mark Lilley The Venerable Dr Rosemarie Mallett Fr Jan Nowotnik Lt-Col Jonathan Roberts Revd Nicholas Rothon† Treasurer Ms Patricia White

The following also served as a Trustee during the year:

Mr Patrick Coyle Resigned 30 September 2024 Rt Revd Dr John Perumbalath Resigned 3 June 2024

Those who were not Trustees but attended the Board of Trustees by invitation were:

Dr Nicola Brady[†] General Secretary, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) Mr Michael McClure[†] Company Secretary & Business Manager Revd Mike Royal General Secretary, Churches Together In England (CTE) Dr Cynan Llwyd Chief Executive, Churches Together in Wales (CYTÛN) (from May 2024) Revd Siôn Brynach Chief Executive, Churches Together in Wales (CYTÛN) (until April 2024) Dr Damian Jackson General Secretary, Irish Council of Churches (ICC) Peter Colwell Assistant General Secretary and Director of Programmes, CTBI Richard Reddie Director of Justice & Inclusion Programme

† Member of Finance and General Purposes Committee

40

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Reference and Administrative Details

Principal address Inter Church House
and registered office 35 Lower Marsh
London
SE1 7RL
Company registration number 05661787 (England & Wales)
Charity registration number 1113299
Independent Examiner Helen Blundell, LLB FCA FCIE DChA
Crowe U.K. LLP
Black Country House
Rounds Green Road
Oldbury
West Midlands
B69 2DG
Bankers CAF Bank Limited
25 Kings Hill Avenue
Kings Hill
West Malling
Kent
ME19 4JQ
HSBC Bank plc
38 Canada Place
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5AH
Legal advisers Stone King LLP
13 Queen Square
Bath
BA1 2HJ
Ashton Graham Solicitors
Waterfront House
Wherry Quay
Ipswich
IP4 1AS
Investment Advisers Investec Wealth & Investment Ltd
30 Gresham Street
London
EC2V 7QN

41