About – Marylebone Christian Charity

The Marylebone Christian Charity exists to advance and promote the evangelical Christian faith by making funding and property available to evangelical churches, charities or organisations in accordance with its statement of faith. It operates independently of any denomination in order to ensure donations made by evangelical Christians continue to be used for the purpose they were given.

Registered Charity Number: 1189690

Trustees

Jonathan Lewis

I’m a former foreign exchange trader, lastly at Barclays Capital. I retired in 2016 and have been a member at All Souls Church since 1995 where I have been involved in a variety of roles. I’m married to Ruth Lewis who is on staff at All Souls and have two sons and a daughter. I’m a big Arsenal fan and you will see me at the Emirates stadium most weeks during the football season!

John Wyatt

I’m a former Professor of Neonatal Paediatrics, Ethics and Perinatology at University College London, but now work as an author and speaker addressing new ethical, philosophical and theological challenges caused by advances in medical science and technology. I have been at All Souls for over 50 years having first come as a medical student. I am married to Celia and have three grown-up children and six grandchildren.

Honor Truong

I’m a Chartered Surveyor currently working as a Partner for a London Real Estate firm providing strategic advice to office occupiers across the city of London. I have been going to All Souls Langham Place since I was a student in 2010 and continue to attend with my husband and young son.

Rob Turner

I had the privilege of growing up going to All Souls and it is great to still be a member along with my wife, Claire, and four children. Over the years at All Souls I have been involved in a range of different ministries and governance roles, including as Church Warden between 2018 and 2024. I work as a management consultant and outside of work and church enjoy watching and reading about most sports.

Sarah Debenham

I am a qualified lawyer now working in-house at a property firm, specialising in urban regeneration and placemaking. I started coming to All Souls when I first moved to London, and now attend the 9.30 service with my husband and two young boys.

Samuel Tan

I am a qualified accountant working at PricewaterhouseCoopers. I have been a member at All Souls since 2019 and have been involved in a variety of ministries. I am newly married to Lei Li – both of us have led at Roots previously and are currently serving together in the tech team. I have been a Manchester United fan since the age of 9 and have stuck by them through their ups & downs!

Michael Sharp

I have been a long standing member at All Souls Langham Place where my wife works as the children’s minister. I am a lawyer by training specialising in Real Estate and construction work and work current for a small real estate company in Marylebone.

A proud Geordie I love spending time in the Northumberland countryside as well as supporting Newcastle United.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the MCC set up?

In order to hold assets outside the Church of England structures so as to safeguard long term gospel ministry and mitigate against the risk of doctrinal changes in the Church of England. All church property assets are currently held within the Church of England and they maintain ownership.

Why should I financially give to MCC?

In order to invest in assets that will continue to be used for longterm gospel ministry.

How does the charity plan to spend the money?

The charity aims to invest in property in the London area (including outside Marylebone). These properties will then be made available/let to church ministers/clergymen to be used for accommodation and/or full-time church-based, pastoral ministry work.

Who is the charity accountable to?

Charity Law gives trustees a legal responsibility for the MCC and duties/responsibilities are set out by the charity commission. Ultimately the charity commission oversees the MCC. As part of that oversight the MCC will provide audited accounts as well as six monthly updates and an AGM.

Will I be provided with updates on the charity’s actions?

Yes – six monthly. Donors will be sent a newsletter via e-mail updating them on fundraising as well as any property purchased and who is being housed.

How do I give tax efficiently?

If you are a UK tax payer MCC can claim an additional 25% on your gift. Where donor information is available, donors will be emailed a form confirming they are a UK taxpayer. In addition MCC is a partner with Stewardship so giving is available through them (gift aid collected automatically). Full details on gift aid can be found at: gov.uk/donating-to-charity/gift-aid

When does the charity plan to make its first purchase?

While this depends on fundraising, with our current projections, we would seek to start to make ministry accommodation available by late 2023/early 2024 – we would therefore be grateful for your partnership to make this possible.

What are the key factors that will guide the charity’s purchase decisions?

The key factors involved will be location, size and cost. We will be principally guided by our housing strategy. The trust will aim to provide accommodation within a 20 minute cycle ride of the minister’s place of work, the appropriate number of bedrooms (children dependent) as well as a study and outside space. As our aim is to provide ministry accommodation that will be fit-for-purpose for decades to come, any purchase decisions will be made with longevity and practicality in mind.

I currently give to All Souls PCC general fund – how will MCC work alongside PCC?

MCC operates as an independent charity and therefore has no immediate working relationship with any PCC.

I have further questions – where can I find answers?

We welcome all questions about the charity, as we strive to be as transparent as we can possibly be. Please do get in touch with us using the email address info@marylebonechristiancharity.org