Jedi is not a real religion, says charity commission

If you’re currently listing yourself as a Jedi on personal documents and census forms, we’re afraid we’ve a bit of bad news.

The UK’s Charity Commission has ruled that it isn’t actually a real religion, and thus, cannot be considered to be charitable organisation.

There are a number of Jedi organisations out there, but this specific hoo-hah follows an application from the Temple of the Jedi Order, which was seeking charity status.

It has, however, been rejected on the grounds that it does not ‘promote moral or ethical improvement’.

We’re sure Yoda would have something to say about that, but it appears that the ruling has already been made.

Said the commission of its decision: “The commission considers that there is insufficient evidence that Jediism and the Jedi doctrine as promoted by TOTJO is a sufficiently structured, organised or integrated system of belief to constitute a religion.

“It comprises a loose framework of ideas with some common ground which individuals may interpret as they see fit. In particular, it is not obligatory to interpret and follow the Jedi doctrine as a religion.”

Daniel Jones, who is the leader of the Church of Jediism in the UK, told the BBC that they would continue to conduct charity work without official charity status, adding: that ‘Jediism’s status will change in the next five years’.

According to data from the 2011 census, there are more Jedi in the UK than Rastafarians.

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