I do not think it good that some churches ask its members to write their names on tithes, love gifts and offerings.

@bowman81 Why would it have tax? It's tithes.

@Casheyane In the US charitable contributions are tax deductible if you itemize your tax return. The receipt provides proof that you made the contribution so you can deduct it and not pay income tax on it.

@bowman81 Ah. It's different here, I think. I do not know how churches handle finances inside the organization.

But in my case, what I know is that the members give the tithes from our own income. So in my case, tax was already deducted from my income as computed by my company.

@Casheyane The way it works is that they can claim money you have already paid in taxes. In the UK if you put £1 into a gift aid envelope and fill out your details on the tear-off slip you place inside the envelope with your donation, the charitable organisation you are donating to can claim 25p from the government for that £1. If four people put £1, that £4 becomes £5. It really could add up to a lot of additional money raised for charity if you do that. Why question would be, why wouldn't you? You would let the taxman keep the money just so one person (the treasurer) doesn't get to see what you're donating? That seems a bit silly to me unless your motivation is to actually impress that one person who sees it.

@BritishPerson Thing is, we're not in the UK. The rules and laws are different.

I can't speak for your end. But in ours, I do not find it good nor do I think they should even be doing it.

@Casheyane Really? If they are asking you to put your details on an envelope that suggests to me that there is a similar scheme to the one I have described. Why ask for those details otherwise?

@BritishPerson Churches are exempted from tax in our end.

That is the thing that prompted this post. I do not know what they wish to gain by asking people to do that. Thing is, I don't see them suggesting it to all members. So I am feeling cautious.

I have known some churches to be corrupt. This one is a new one that I am trying to be a part of after I stopped attending church for a long while. While I hope it to be pure and not corrupt or lured by riches, I cannot ignore that some people I have met do care about credentials and status. I find it reason to warrant caution.

No one wants to be used or be approached and invited only because they seem capable of giving a little bit more than others. Especially not someone who is only just trying to be a regular church attendee again.

Sometimes the reason Christians stop believing and going to churches is also because of other Christians. Worse, sometimes it is because of unworthy and shameless pastors.

@Casheyane That's the case in the UK as well. That's not what I am saying though. The tax that the church or other organisation can claim is from the tax paid by their members. So, you have paid so much income tax on your salary for example. That's already gone off to the tax office. When you make a donation through Gift Aid or some other similar scheme, the charitable organisation you are donating to can claim some of that money you paid that's gone to the tax office. In the UK that's currently 25p for every pound donated. As far as you're concerned, you have paid what you have paid but the question is do you want that money to stay in the tax office safe or do you want it to be transferred into the charity box? It's a bit of a no-brainer for me.

@BritishPerson You're boxing the situation when it is bigger than that. Read my other comment.

But if you still do not understand, maybe start your own thread? I think you are too focused on the UK matters.

@Casheyane Have you asked them why they are doing what they are doing?

@BritishPerson I did. I did not like the answer.

@Casheyane What did they say?

@BritishPerson Honestly? Receipt. To give out receipts. Like what do I need that for?

It felt they just wanted to monitor how much I am giving. It didn't feel right nor safe, especially given the person who suggested I write my name is someone who seems way too interested in me and has connections to the heads. Not really a good advice, nor did it feel like it was done without intent.

@Casheyane Maybe you ought to ask them to spell out exactly why they are asking for such details. Why do they need receipts? Who is privy to the information? How is it going to be used?

@BritishPerson Nah. I could. But I think I learned enough. I'm thinking of threading with caution now. I can still attend but not get too close with some people. It is safer when they don't know much about you.

That's sad though. Cause I was actually hoping to make some new friends. But then, I pray God will lead me to true good friends, even if it isn't those people.

My late dad used to give tithes faithfully no matter how much challenging it was. Until he stopped, because he learned that his own family who were pastors on a church we attended before were stealing church money to buy themselves a car.

So really, I meant what I meant when I said it isn't just a small box. This post is way bigger than that.

But I can feel your enthusiasm on the topic. So I suggested you open a thread.

Also, it was pretty fun exchanging comments with you. I learned some things. Thanks for the knowledge sharing. It is my first time knowing those things about UK.