The Christian Institute says it may take legal action against the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland if its concerns on new guidance on public benefit are not addressed.

The new Charity Commission for Northern Ireland is due to publish its first ever public benefit guidance at the end of the month.

However, the Christian Institute, a charity which exists for the furtherance and promotion of the Christian religion in the United Kingdom, is concerned that the new Commission is "stepping beyond its remit and leaving churches in doubt over their charitable status".

“The draft guidance – which fails to make clear it is not a statement of the law – introduces bureaucratic requirements and tests unrelated to charity legislation,” said a Christian Institute spokesperson.

"The Commission fails to state that charities may hold strong opposing views on controversial topics without fear of deregistration.

"And the draft document says the Commission may use public opinion when weighing up ‘public benefit’. Critics say Christianity is not a popularity contest and charitable status shouldn’t be either."

"The Commission also says it may interfere in the membership rules of churches and Christian charities if membership is not 'sufficiently open'."

The Christian Institute has written to the Commission, giving notice of the Institute’s intention to challenge the guidance in the courts if the issues raised are not addressed.

A Charity Commission for Northern Ireland spokesman said it had agreed a meeting with the Christian Institute to discuss its concerns.