I would even question whether "a church" as in catholic or lutheran or scientology etc should be granted charitable status. They have to show their branch in NZ to be benefitting the community. Their efforts elsewhere should not count.

[–] Dave@lemmy.nz 2 points 2 months ago

For sure. As each church is an independent entity, each one should have to register and pass the criteria. I don't think granting, say, the Catholic Church as one NZ entity is the right way. Instead, each of the Catholic churches around the country should apply on their own merits. Surely some will be feeding and housing the homeless and some will be using tithes to by lamborghinis so they should be assessed individually since they have individual finances.