Gideons UK lose trademark battle and have to change name

The charity which donates Bibles to hotel rooms and school pupils will have to change their name and the logo on the covers. 

The organisation started in America in 1899 but has a UK branch.

In 2018, the UK branch accepted women after the Charity Commission asked whether or not it was complying with the Equality Act 2010 and then suggested women should be allowed to join for them to remain compliant.

In July 2018, the International Cabinet at TGI refused to accept financial support from Gideons UK for worldwide ministry and removed its ‘National Association’ status because it was decided the UK association did not accept the ‘Core Values’.

The UK branch also changed its logo online to an open Bible in July. 

In a letter to Gideon members in September this year, president Andrew Knight said the UK branch decided it would be better to submit to this decision rather than to challenge the Charity Commission.

In a letter to members, President of Gideons UK Andrew Knight and Executive Director Iain Mair said: “We did not expect to receive the results of the Trademark Hearing until much nearer the end of this year; however, last week we were notified of the decision of the Hearing Officer, which is in favour of The Gideons International i.e. our application to register Gideons UK has been refused.”

They add that they take this as “God’s will” for the…