03 Apr
Question
Project Spire

The recent Question session in the House of Commons revolved around the Church of England's Project Spire, with a focus on discussions between the Church Commissioners and the Charity Commission. Katie Lam, representing the Conservative Party from the Weald of Kent constituency, raised questions concerning the legitimacy of fund allocation related to the project. Marsha De Cordova addressed these queries, emphasizing informal dialogues with the Charity Commission about necessary regulatory approvals.

The session concentrated heavily on the Church's financial management, particularly regarding reparations connected to its historical ties to slavery. Lam underlined the importance of maintaining legality in fund allocation, signalling potential unauthorized use for goals divergent from parish church upkeep. De Cordova's response clarified that funds associated with "healing, repair, and justice" stem from the Church's endowment and will adhere to its charitable and legal framework.

Endowment Fund

Utilized for specific reparations related to historical ties to slavery.

Outcome: The discourse highlighted ongoing informal discussions as a crucial step prior to reaching any conclusive regulatory approval or fund allocation decision. It was acknowledged that the specific legalities of the fund usage and these communications were confidential at present, necessitating patience until formal decisions post-discussion were declared.

Repair Fund Purpose

Aimed at addressing legacy injustices through strategic financial allocation.

Statistics:

  1. Endowment Fund: This initiative draws from the Church's endowment fund, though exact figures were not disclosed within the debate.
  2. Repair Fund Purpose: Highlighted as a response to historical injustices linked to slavery, underscoring broader financial strategies at the Church of England.

Outcome

Pending conclusion of discussions with the Charity Commission, participants expect clarity on the proper path for the Church's reparations effort, ensuring legality and validity in its implementation.

Key Contributions

Katie LamConservative Member of Parliament
Conservative

Queried the recent interactions between Church Commissioners and the Charity Commission regarding Project Spire.

Marsha De CordovaResponding Member

Noted the ongoing informal discussions with the Charity Commission on Project Spire.

Original Transcript
Katie Lam
Weald of Kent
Con
Question
UIN: 903583

1. What recent discussions the Church Commissioners have had with the Charity Commission on Project Spire.

The Second Church Estates Commissioner
Marsha De Cordova
10:15

The Church Commissioners are engaged in informal discussions with the Charity Commission to consider what regulatory approvals may be required to progress this project.

Katie Lam
10:15

The funds that have been committed to projects via the Church of England’s reparations project are in fact for the upkeep of parish churches and the provision of salaries for the clergy.

I know that the Second Church Estates Commissioner is dedicated to our parish churches and would not support anything unlawful, so will the hon. Lady please provide the grounds on which the Church Commissioners are authorised to allocate this money to aims for which it was not intended?

What details can she share of the conversations that she has had with the Charity Commission to determine whether they can do this, as it seems to be unlawful?

Marsha De Cordova

The fund for healing, repair and justice is the Church Commissioners’ response to its legacy links to the chattel enslavement of Africans. The fund will be sourced from the endowment managed by the Church Commissioners, and the board will always act in accordance with the charity’s legal powers.

Once discussions with the Charity Commission are completed, the board will take a formal decision on those next steps. The hon. Member will obviously agree that I cannot prejudge the outcome of those discussions.

All content derived from official parliamentary records