Liberty Trust appealed the decision to the High Court and in June 2011 the High Court judge ruled "I consider that the Charities Commission erred in finding that Liberty Trust does not have, as its main purpose, a charitable purpose. Liberty Trust was set up to advance religion. It seeks to do that through teaching financial principles that Liberty Trust proclaims are the Bible's financial principles. It seeks to teach those principles through providing a scheme which allows its followers (and anyone else who wishes to join up) to pool financial resources for the benefit of themselves and others. ... I also consider that the Charities Commission erred in finding that Liberty Trust's activities do not exist for the public benefit. ... The activities are not contended to be subversive to morality or a sham. It is not for the Court to impose its own views as to the religious beliefs that are advanced through the scheme. The benefits of the scheme are not focussed too narrowly on its adherents. It is open to anyone and the money donated is "recycled" for the benefit of others. Overall it is a scheme about "giving" in order to lead a Christian life free of the burdens of debt." And so Liberty Trust has been restored to the Charities register. This is the first time the High Court has overruled the Charities Commission. Campbell Live also did a story on Liberty Trust last month.http://www.3news.co.nz/Liberty-Trust-God-doesnt-believe-in-interest-on-loans/tabid/367/articleID/222779/Default.aspx For more info you should go to www.libertytrust.org.nz.
It sounds like their interpretation of the phrase "to advance religion" is a much narrower one than what Liberty Trust (LT) is using. The bible teaches that charging usury to Christians is forbidden. This is a commandment that has been ignored for a long time. By attempting to restore it most Christians would say that Liberty Trust's work advances Christianity at least from how it is conventionally practiced today. The Charities Commission considers this to be conductive to religion not advancing it.
"But now the Charities Commission is moving to deregister the trust because 3 News believes Liberty doesn't satisfy its stated “charitable purpose”, which is to “advance religion”. Good one, now youv'e started some investigation from IRD that could possibly shut down the trusts activities. Thats helps, thanks alot. NOT!