The
verdict, which risks the wrath of Star Wars fans, came after an
organisation called the 'Temple of the Jedi Order' tried to join the
official register.
In
the application, its purpose was listed as advancing the religion of
'Jediism' for 'the public benefit worldwide' and in line with the
so-called Jedi Doctrine.
It
defined Jediism as: 'A religion based on the observance of the Force,
the ubiquitous and metaphysical power that a Jedi (a follower of
Jediism) believes to be the underlying, fundamental nature of the
universe.'
But
the Charities Commission for England and Wales said it was not eligible
to feature on the list of 'Charities Incorporated Organisations'.
The
watchdog was not satisfied that the organisation would be 'established
for exclusively charitable purposes for the advancement of religion
and/or the promotion of moral and ethical improvement for the benefit of
the public'.
Despite
the famous mysticism of characters including small green guru Yoda, the
commission noted that 'everything that chooses to call itself a
religion' should not be recognised as a religion.
Officials were also unconvinced by evidence proposed to support Jediism as a legitimate faith.
'The
Commission is not satisfied that the observance of the Force within
Jediism is characterised by a belief in one or more gods or spiritual or
non-secular principles or things which is an essential requirement for a
religion in charity law,' the ruling said.
Pointing
out that the Temple of the Jedi Order was an entirely web-based
organisation, the watchdog said practices cited within its online
community may be adopted as 'a lifestyle choice as opposed to a
religion'.
The
commission's decision will disappoint members of the Temple of the Jedi
Order and fans who have been worked up into a fervour by the release of
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
The
new film has been eagerly anticipated by Star Wars fans, many of whom
attended special screenings at one minute past midnight the day of its
release.
It has received generally good reviews.