The Free Church of England (FCE) has taken Christ Church Exeter to the High Court for the church assets. This is a consequence of our decision (along with other churches) to leave the denomination a few years ago over its various departures from its historical Protestant position and our minister reporting them to the Charity Commission for a failure to account for a £300k property sale. As trustees we are personally liable to cover the cost of this case. We need to raise pledges for £30k for a specialist barrister in trust law to represent us who believes we have a strong case - but of course a win in court is not guaranteed. We believe in our cause legally and morally. If we lose the case our own houses are on the line as we'd be liable for the costs of the other side. We pray it doesnt come to that but we share this so that you may know we believe in our cause.

During the time that Rev Steven Hanna has been the minister at the church, it has grown from a handful of people to a loving family congregation (approx. 35+) attending on a Sunday. The Church is also regularly on the street declaring the Good News of Jesus.

The FCE has not conducted themselves well which is evident in many ways. They have bullied and interfered with many churches who were in the denomination. Other people's good names have also been slandered including Bp. Josep Rosello (Anglican Network in Europe - GAFCON and formerly Christ Church Exmouth), Revd. Jonatas Bragatto (formerly St. Stephen's, Middlesbrough), Revd. Arthur Kay (formerly St John's, Tottington), Revd Brett Murphy (formerly Emmanuel, Morecambe) and others. Six other existing churches (now outside the FCE) were threatened with legal action besides ourselves but so far it is only us who have been taken to court.

FCE has accused us from departing from the faith when it is they who have done so and brought the name of the FCE into disrepute including, for example, hiring out church buildings under their tenure for Wicca amoungst other things.

Any support including prayer would be grately received. We do believe this is for the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Any additional funds raised not used for legal costs will be used for gospel work. Thank you.