Atheist will not be made to go to almshouse chapel

Sandy Smith says she feared she would lose her home after refusing to attend chapel on Sundays

A woman living in a historic almshouse who feared she could lose her home because she refused to attend religious services has welcomed a change in the rules.

Sandy Smith, a 69-year-old atheist, has lived at the Charterhouse, Hull, for almost five years, but in April said she faced an investigation by the charity's trustees.

A residents' handbook stated that everyone must attend the on-site chapel on Sundays unless excused by the "master" of the organisation.

However, in a letter to Ms Smith, the Charterhouse has now indicated that, while it hopes residents will attend the chapel, it will update the handbook to make clear that they will not be compelled to do so.

The Charterhouse was founded in 1384 by Michael de la Pole, the 1st Earl of Suffolk. Today's buildings date from the 18th century

The Charterhouse, which was founded in 1384, provides supported independent living for up to 40 residents over the age of 60.

The residents' handbook describes it as a "religious foundation" and states that "all residents are required by the scheme to attend divine service in the chapel on Sundays... unless excused from attendance by the master. There is also a service every Wednesday which residents are requested to attend."

The handbook had stated that "chapel absences may invalidate your license to occupy".

Ms Smith, who has a chronic lung disease, describes her flat as "one of the nicest flats I've ever lived in", but said she received a sequence of letters and warnings saying that it was part of her agreement to stay here that she go to chapel every week but she was not prepared to do that.

However, last week, the charity wrote to her setting out how... "It did not want to change the charter stating people must attend chapel; but accepted that this might not be appropriate for everyone and they would be excused if they asked to be".

She said: "I am delighted that people have got free will to do as they choose.

"I have nothing against people who want to attend or believe in all that stuff. I don't, and I don't think it should be imposed on people who don't."

She said a trustee of the Charterhouse visited her to discuss her concerns and she understood that the decision to not compel residents to attend the services now applied to everyone.

Ms Smith said she hoped to put the incident behind her and move forward.

The Charterhouse declined to comment.

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