- Joined
- Dec 30, 2010
- Messages
- 12,730
- Points
- 113
I refer to the report "Not possible for governance reviews to 'uncover everything'" (July 10).
Mr Chan Chun Sing, the Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports pointed out that the recent charges against City Harvest Church members were the result of feedback and complaints.
I have one pertinent question: Must religious entities be classified as charities?
In the old days, religious organisations used to build institutions such as hospitals, schools and nursing homes to help the poor. Now, other charitable organisations do community good in the arts, heritage, animal welfare, education, healthcare, etc.
Society must redefine the charity status in today's context and organisations must earn this status in spirit and substance.
If religious entities do not provide charitable social services for the needy, they should not be granted the charity status. If excess funds are collected, why not contribute them to the Community Chest?
The Commissioner of Charities' annual report for last year shows that there were 2,093 registered charities here, of which 60 per cent were "religion and others".
Of the S$10.7 billion in total income, which includes government grants, S$1.6 billion (or 15 per cent) went to these groups. There were no details of the S$896 million in total tax deductible donations.
Society must be careful that places of worship do not morph into private enterprises for profits.
Paul Chan Poh Hoi
- http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/EDC120723-0000038/Are-all-religious-entities-charities?
Mr Chan Chun Sing, the Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports pointed out that the recent charges against City Harvest Church members were the result of feedback and complaints.
I have one pertinent question: Must religious entities be classified as charities?
In the old days, religious organisations used to build institutions such as hospitals, schools and nursing homes to help the poor. Now, other charitable organisations do community good in the arts, heritage, animal welfare, education, healthcare, etc.
Society must redefine the charity status in today's context and organisations must earn this status in spirit and substance.
If religious entities do not provide charitable social services for the needy, they should not be granted the charity status. If excess funds are collected, why not contribute them to the Community Chest?
The Commissioner of Charities' annual report for last year shows that there were 2,093 registered charities here, of which 60 per cent were "religion and others".
Of the S$10.7 billion in total income, which includes government grants, S$1.6 billion (or 15 per cent) went to these groups. There were no details of the S$896 million in total tax deductible donations.
Society must be careful that places of worship do not morph into private enterprises for profits.
Paul Chan Poh Hoi
- http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/EDC120723-0000038/Are-all-religious-entities-charities?
