The Temple of the Jedi Order is a charitable organization based in Beaumont, Texas. Its adherents “observe a metaphysical entity called the Force,” practice meditation, and observe various “days of significance” in Jediism. It is also recognized by the IRS as a public charity. But when its United Kingdom counterpart applied for similar status, the Charity Commission was not moved by the Force.
According to BBC News, the commission decided that Jediism did not “promote moral or ethical improvement” for charity law purposes in England and Wales, nor did it have the “cogency, cohesion, or seriousness” to qualify as a belief system under the law. Daniel Jones, who leads the Church of Jediism in the UK, said they will continue their charity work without legal status. He also expected that “Jediism’s status will change in the next five years.”
GOT HIS GOAT
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