The Pagan Federation is taking the Charity Commission to the Charity Tribunal after the regulator denied it charitable status.

The Pagan Federation website describes itself as a membership body which promotes a positive profile for pagans and paganism. It provides support services to individuals, including the provision of information about paganism, helping pagans to meet other pagans, and organising pagan festivals and other events.

A Charity Commission spokeswoman said it was denied charitable status as the basis of its beliefs are too loosely defined to constitute a religion, as understood in charity law.

Members of the Pagan Federation self-identify by reference to three core beliefs: love and respect for nature, a positive morality and recognition of the divine.

A Pagan Federation spokesman told civilsociety.co.uk that it was appealing to the Charity Tribunal as it believes it missed the Commission’s criteria by “only a hair’s breath” and wants the opportunity to explain its organisation better.