Closure Update – Application to Court
As the end of the Redress Scheme approaches, the trustees wish to consider further and final distributions of the assets of the Jesus Fellowship Community Trust (“the Trust”) in accordance with the current version of the Trust deed – Phase 3 (Historic Requests) and Phase 4 (Apportionment).
However, during the delivery of the Redress Scheme and in reviewing registrations of interest in Phases 3 and 4, the trustees have become aware of further complaints and grievances in relation to people’s time in community.
These have alluded to possible claims falling outside the scope of the Redress Scheme, e.g. whether people who are not currently considered to be Listed Beneficiaries of JFCT should be so considered, or have some other entitlement to benefit from the winding up of the Trust (other than those who may benefit from their registered interest in Phase 3 or Phase 4).
Whilst the trustees can complete the Redress Scheme, they are unable to proceed further with distribution of surplus Trust funds within Phases 3 and 4 until this uncertainty regarding potential further civil claims under Phase 2 is resolved.
The trustees have taken legal advice (privilege in which is not waived) on the best way to remove this uncertainty. As a result, they intend to make an application to court, to request the assistance of a judge to order that any further civil claims to the Trust assets, beyond the Redress Scheme, are made known, and for the trustees to then proceed without uncertainty with distributions in Phases 3 and 4.
This process will take time. The trustees expect no votes or further distributions of Trust assets (other than in relation to the Redress Scheme) to be made until the court process reaches its conclusion in 2025.
All Listed Beneficiaries and those who have registered their interest in Phases 3 and 4 will receive a monthly progress report as of August 2024.
The trustees acknowledge that the extended closure timescale will be frustrating to many and wish to thank all those involved for their continued patience as we work to complete the Redress Scheme, before turning our attention to final distributions from the Trust, in the last stages of this complex closure process.
Note: Since December 2020, The Jesus Fellowship Community Trust has existed solely as a residuary body with one purpose – winding up the administrative affairs of the Jesus Fellowship Church. New trustees and a CEO were brought in to oversee this work, which includes implementing the redress scheme, supporting survivors and former members, and ultimately closing the Trust