The religion is verified by the minister of the applicant’s church. The SEC is grateful to ministers for their support in completing this essential part of the grant application process.

The SEC recognises that different denominations have different understandings of what constitutes ‘membership’. Various denominations base ‘membership’ on baptism, confirmation, communicant status, church attendance or regularity of attendance, and others. The SEC has no definition of membership of its own, and requests that ministers apply whatever understandings of membership is commonly or canonically used in your church.

The SEC may contact ministers to confirm the verification of an applicant’s religion and recommends that ministers keep a record of all forms that they have signed. Signing forms is entirely at the discretion of a minister. If a minister has any questions on the SEC grants process and the verification of religion they can email info@secgrant.ie.