The Charity Commission has received an application for the registration from Yoda and Leia, the trustees of the Jedi Plus Ministry (JDM), an association with the Temple of the Jedi Order, but which has its own website and which rejects the TJO's stance on bereavement, instead expecting its adherents to acknowledge the death of their loved ones on each anniversary of their death. The JPM recently benefitted from a settlement of £5,000,000 from Luke, a devoted follower of the faith. Luke is keen for the purposes of the JPM to be advanced. He has suggested that trustees should apply for charity registration, in order to raise the profile of the JPM and to benefit from the significant tax advantages available to charities. You have been asked to present the arguments for and against this application.

 

 

Followers of the JPM believe that there is a supreme force that binds all people and natural elements of the universe together and that this force contains both good and evil. Some believe in an afterlife. The JPM also nominates ten persons each year to act as exemplars of the faith and to settle any disputes over doctrine or conduct. Membership has been growing steadily since the JPM began in 2002 and currently stands at over 20,000 members, including adults and children. Each adult member pays £300 per annum. There is no single written doctrine, but established members regularly post teachings online and members are encouraged to respond and debate via an online forum.

 

What are some arguments in support of JPM's application and/or arguments against? Your presentation should include both arguments based on fact. They should be outlined clearly, succinctly, and logically.