Churches demand compensation from BP after loss of income

God, in the shape of local churches, has joined the growing queue of those seeking compensation from BP for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

A fall in donations and collections from congregations hit by the disaster has led to a number of churches and other non-profit making organisations tabling claims to make up the shortfall in their income.

Pastor Dan Brown, of the Anchor Assembly of God in Boyou la Batre, Alabama, is seeking compensation of $50,000 (£33,000) to cover an anticipated loss of income over the next year.

So far he says income provided by fishermen, shrimpers and oystermen – who are now out of work – is down $12,000 and he anticipates a further $38,000 “loss”.

• BP: a beginners guide to the company
• BP website on the Deepwater Horizon incident