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1139907
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2019-07-17more like thisremove minimum value filter
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Gambling more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is taking to tackle problem gambling. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency East Londonderry more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Mr Gregory Campbell more like this
unstar this property uin 278399 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2019-07-22more like thismore than 2019-07-22
star this property answer text <p>Gambling-related harm impacts the lives of hundreds of thousands of people across the country. Of particular concern is the 55,000 children classified as problem gamblers in Great Britain.</p><p> </p><p>The Church of England and the bishops in the House of Lords have regularly raised this issue with the Government, charities and the industry itself.</p><p> </p><p>The Bishop of St Albans successfully campaigned with others to reduce the stake on fixed-odds betting terminals in Great Britain and tabled an amendment to the Northern Ireland Executive (Formation) Bill 2019 to ask the Government to report on the case for legislative and regulatory alignment between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Government accepted this amendment.</p><p> </p><p>The Bishop of St Albans also sponsored a motion for debate in the General Synod of the Church of England, which was passed at the February 2019 session. He also successfully balloted for the House of Lords to establish the Select Committee on the Social and Economic Impact of the Gambling Industry. The Committee Inquiry is underway and is expected to report between March and April 2020.</p>
star this property answering member constituency Meriden more like this
star this property answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2019-07-22T15:27:50.57Zmore like thismore than 2019-07-22T15:27:50.57Z
unstar this property answering member
312
star this property label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman more like this
star this property tabling member
1409
unstar this property label Biography information for Mr Gregory Campbell more like this
1140278
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2019-07-18more like thismore than 2019-07-18
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Crimes of Violence: Young People more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England plans to take to implement the decision taken at the General Synod in July 2019 in relation to the motion on Tackling Serious Youth Violence. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Lewisham, Deptford more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Vicky Foxcroft more like this
unstar this property uin 279089 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2019-07-25more like thismore than 2019-07-25
star this property answer text <p>The Church of England’s Mission and Public Affairs Division sponsored the debate at the General Synod in July 2019 and is working with dioceses to develop best practice information and training for church leaders and communities to tackle serious youth violence.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency Meriden more like this
star this property answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2019-07-25T16:25:09.44Zmore like thismore than 2019-07-25T16:25:09.44Z
unstar this property answering member
312
star this property label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman more like this
star this property previous answer version
130242
star this property answering member constituency Meriden more like this
star this property answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman more like this
star this property answering member
312
star this property label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman more like this
star this property tabling member
4491
unstar this property label Biography information for Vicky Foxcroft more like this
1140279
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2019-07-18more like thismore than 2019-07-18
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Crimes of Violence: Young People more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England’s Education Department is taking to implement the decision taken at the General Synod in July 2019 in relation to the motion on tackling serious youth violence in schools; and what guidance it is planning to issue to youth workers. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Lewisham, Deptford more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Vicky Foxcroft more like this
unstar this property uin 279090 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2019-07-25more like thismore than 2019-07-25
star this property answer text <p>The Church of England Vision for Education identifies four core themes (wisdom, knowledge and skills; hope and aspiration; community and living well together; dignity and respect) which underpin all of our work in education. School leadership networks will be focusing on serious youth violence as part of these core themes. An education which promotes hope, aspiration and dignity is a vital part of addressing serious youth violence.</p><p>One aspect of this debate relates to the impact of school exclusions on vulnerable young people. Church of England schools exclude fewer children than non-church schools and the Church’s commitment to the vulnerable and disadvantaged means that we will continue to explore ways of further reducing the negative impact of exclusion.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency Meriden more like this
star this property answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2019-07-25T16:25:37.57Zmore like thismore than 2019-07-25T16:25:37.57Z
unstar this property answering member
312
star this property label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman more like this
star this property previous answer version
130244
star this property answering member constituency Meriden more like this
star this property answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman more like this
star this property answering member
312
star this property label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman more like this
star this property tabling member
4491
unstar this property label Biography information for Vicky Foxcroft more like this
1140803
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2019-07-22more like thismore than 2019-07-22
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Churches: Grants more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps are being taken to promote the new four year Grant Programme through the Churches Trust. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency East Londonderry more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Mr Gregory Campbell more like this
unstar this property uin 280172 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2019-07-25more like thismore than 2019-07-25
star this property answer text <p>The Church of England’s Church Buildings Council regularly communicates with all grant-making bodies and information about the grants available to parishes is communicated through the Diocesan Advisory Committees.</p><p>The Church of England offers general advice to its parishes about restoration, repair and grants on the Church Care section of its website: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/more/church-resources/churchcare" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/more/church-resources/churchcare</a></p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency Meriden more like this
star this property answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2019-07-25T16:24:32.21Zmore like thismore than 2019-07-25T16:24:32.21Z
unstar this property answering member
312
star this property label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman more like this
star this property tabling member
1409
unstar this property label Biography information for Mr Gregory Campbell more like this
1141741
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2019-07-24more like thismore than 2019-07-24
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Anglicanism more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, whether the Church of England has plans to adopt the approach of the Global Anglican Future Conference as a model for the (a) growth and (b) development of the Anglican Communion. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency South Holland and The Deepings more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Sir John Hayes more like this
unstar this property uin 281578 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2019-09-03more like thismore than 2019-09-03
star this property answer text <p>The policies, structures and strategic development of the Anglican Communion are not matters for which the Church Commissioners has responsibility.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency Meriden more like this
star this property answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2019-09-03T14:00:55.037Zmore like thismore than 2019-09-03T14:00:55.037Z
unstar this property answering member
312
star this property label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman more like this
star this property tabling member
350
unstar this property label Biography information for Sir John Hayes more like this
1141744
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2019-07-24more like thismore than 2019-07-24
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Global Anglican Future Conference: Rwanda more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, whether the Archbishop of Canterbury plans to attend the 2020 Global Anglican Future Conference in Kigali, Rwanda. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency South Holland and The Deepings more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Sir John Hayes more like this
unstar this property uin 281579 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2019-09-03more like thismore than 2019-09-03
star this property answer text <p>At previous meetings of the Global Anglican Future Conference the Archbishop of Canterbury has been represented by a diocesan bishop of the Church of England. No decision has yet been taken by the Archbishop of Canterbury about whether he or a representative will attend the 2020 Conference in Kigali.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency Meriden more like this
star this property answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2019-09-03T14:04:02.773Zmore like thismore than 2019-09-03T14:04:02.773Z
unstar this property answering member
312
star this property label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman more like this
star this property tabling member
350
unstar this property label Biography information for Sir John Hayes more like this
1141745
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2019-07-24more like thismore than 2019-07-24
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Transgender People more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, if the Church of England will clarify its interpretation of biblical teaching on sex and gender in relation to transgender issues. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency South Holland and The Deepings more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Sir John Hayes more like this
unstar this property uin 281580 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2019-09-03more like thismore than 2019-09-03
star this property answer text <p>The Church of England is currently undertaking a consultative process called ‘Living in Love and Faith’, which is considering all matters of sexuality and gender.</p><p>In 2018 the House of Bishops issued Pastoral Guidance for use in conjunction with the Affirmation of Baptismal Faith in the context of gender transition, which can be found here: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2018-12/Pastoral%20Guidance-Affirmation-Baptismal-Faith.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2018-12/Pastoral%20Guidance-Affirmation-Baptismal-Faith.pdf</a></p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency Meriden more like this
star this property answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2019-09-03T14:05:54.393Zmore like thismore than 2019-09-03T14:05:54.393Z
unstar this property answering member
312
star this property label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman more like this
star this property tabling member
350
unstar this property label Biography information for Sir John Hayes more like this
1141746
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2019-07-24more like thismore than 2019-07-24
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Church of England: Staff more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what proportion of Church of England employees are practising Christians. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency South Holland and The Deepings more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Sir John Hayes more like this
unstar this property uin 281581 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2019-09-03more like thismore than 2019-09-03
star this property answer text <p>It is not possible to give the proportion of employees either at a parish, diocesan or national institution-level who are practising Christians as information on this is not recorded or held centrally. Some posts within the National Church Institutions have a Genuine Occupational Requirement to either be a ‘Practising or Communicant member of the Church of England or a member of a Church in communion with the Church of England’.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency Meriden more like this
star this property answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2019-09-03T14:06:25.3Zmore like thismore than 2019-09-03T14:06:25.3Z
unstar this property answering member
312
star this property label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman more like this
star this property tabling member
350
unstar this property label Biography information for Sir John Hayes more like this
1141747
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2019-07-24more like thismore than 2019-07-24
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Church of England: Theology more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is taking to help ensure that its theology is founded on the 39 articles. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency South Holland and The Deepings more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Sir John Hayes more like this
unstar this property uin 281582 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2019-09-03more like thismore than 2019-09-03
star this property answer text <p>The founding theology of the Church of England is drawn from a combination of documents, beliefs and practices known as the ‘Historic Formularies’ and Canon Law. The Historic Formularies consist of scripture, the Book of Common Prayer, the 39 Articles of Religion and the Ordinal.</p><p>Priests of the Church of England are required to affirm their acceptance of the Historic Formularies at their ordination during the Declaration of Assent. The text of this can be found under Canon C15: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/more/policy-and-thinking/canons-church-england/section-c" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/more/policy-and-thinking/canons-church-england/section-c</a></p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency Meriden more like this
star this property answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2019-09-03T14:07:42.067Zmore like thismore than 2019-09-03T14:07:42.067Z
unstar this property answering member
312
star this property label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman more like this
star this property tabling member
350
unstar this property label Biography information for Sir John Hayes more like this
1141748
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2019-07-24more like thismore than 2019-07-24
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Anglicanism more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, whether the Archbishop of Canterbury will pledge his commitment to the Jerusalem Statement of 2008. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency South Holland and The Deepings more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Sir John Hayes more like this
unstar this property uin 281583 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2019-09-03more like thismore than 2019-09-03
star this property answer text <p>Archbishop Rowan Willams responded to the publication of the Jerusalem Statement by the Global Anglican Futures Conference in 2008, the full text of which can be found here:</p><p><a href="https://www.anglicannews.org/news/2008/06/archbishop-of-canterbury-responds-to-gafcon-statement.aspx" target="_blank">https://www.anglicannews.org/news/2008/06/archbishop-of-canterbury-responds-to-gafcon-statement.aspx</a></p><p>The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby is committed to pointing towards the good news of Jesus and the renewal of the Church. The Archbishop is looking forward to the Lambeth Conference taking place in 2020 with the theme “God’s Church for God’s world.</p><p> </p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency Meriden more like this
star this property answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2019-09-03T14:08:27.357Zmore like thismore than 2019-09-03T14:08:27.357Z
unstar this property answering member
312
star this property label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman more like this
star this property tabling member
350
unstar this property label Biography information for Sir John Hayes more like this
1156262
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2019-10-24more like thismore than 2019-10-24
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Churches: Theft more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment he has made of trends in the level of major property thefts from Churches in the last five years. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency East Londonderry more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Mr Gregory Campbell more like this
unstar this property uin 4943 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2019-11-05more like thismore than 2019-11-05
star this property answer text <p>The Church of England does not hold data on thefts centrally, but it is kept by local police forces, Historic England and the insurance industry.</p><p>The most prominent form of property theft from churches is that of metal (mainly lead from roofs) and of historic building materials such as flagstones. These are items with a high resale value and which, once removed, can be difficult to identify as coming from a particular place. Because of the largely historic nature of the buildings targeted these thefts are counted as heritage crime. This issue does not just affect churches; it is so widespread that it is the subject of a joint project and Memorandum of Understanding signed by the National Police Chiefs' Council, the Crown Prosecution Service, Historic England and a growing number of local authorities, community safety partnerships and National Park Authorities. It is an agreement to work in partnership with each other to prevent and solve crimes against historic places.</p><p>The Church of England is an active partner in identifying and tackling heritage crime, especially metal theft. The church is part of Operation Crucible, the police-led initiative investigating metal theft, and it has become clear over recent years that this form of criminal behaviour is now being undertaken by organised gangs. The earlier changes to the law did initially lead to a drop in reported incidences, but recently the issue has again become more widespread. The Church of England submitted evidence to the review of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act in 2017 asking the Government to tighten up the Act to better reflect the changing behaviour of both the scrap metal trade and the organised criminal activity.</p><p>Due to the highly mobile nature of this form of organised criminal activity and without increased resource, it is hard to see how police and heritage crime officers will be able to address the increase in thefts we are seeing across the country. Thefts are moving gradually west and north along the major transport routes. This year the Church has had the first reports of metal and stone theft in the Bath &amp; Wells Diocese and in the Yorkshire Dioceses. Tightening up of the law, therefore, needs to be accompanied by increased police resources and greater political will.</p><p>Parish churches are maintained by volunteers on behalf of the local community. Aside from the financial impact of these thefts, the impact on communities is significant. The social and community impact of the crime, as well as the criminal damage to listed buildings, needs to be addressed at sentencing, as even the theft of small amounts of lead or stone cost has a huge impact on local people. These buildings represent our country’s local and national heritage. Due to the highly mobile nature of criminal gangs, it is essential that police and local churches work together to ensure that heritage crime does not become a decreasing priority for police forces.</p>
star this property answering member constituency Meriden more like this
star this property answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2019-11-05T15:30:10.933Zmore like thismore than 2019-11-05T15:30:10.933Z
unstar this property answering member
312
star this property label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman more like this
star this property previous answer version
3752
star this property answering member constituency Meriden more like this
star this property answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman more like this
star this property answering member
312
star this property label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman more like this
star this property tabling member
1409
unstar this property label Biography information for Mr Gregory Campbell more like this
1168767
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2019-12-20more like thismore than 2019-12-20
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Christianity: Oppression more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the hon. Member representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is taking to provide support to (a) Kurdish Christians and (b) other persecuted Christian groups. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Strangford more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Jim Shannon more like this
unstar this property uin 299 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-01-10more like thismore than 2020-01-10
star this property answer text <p>(a) The Church of England is working closely to support Christan development and aid agencies to meet the humanitarian need of those who are displaced from the conflict in Syria.</p><p>The Church is continuing to encourage the Department for International Development and the wider international community to bolster the capacity of local civil society groups operating in the region. These groups, many of them faith-based, will be on the frontline of the humanitarian response in the months and years to come.</p><p>(b) The Church of England welcomes the decision by the Government to accept and implement the recommendations of the Truro Report to strengthen Foreign and Commonwealth Office support for persecuted Christians. Church of England officials are providing advice and support to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as it takes forward the implementation of these recommendations. The Church welcomes the Prime Minister’s commitment made in his Christmas message to stand in solidarity with Christians everywhere and to defend their right to practice their faith.</p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-01-10T16:16:53.27Zmore like thismore than 2020-01-10T16:16:53.27Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4131
unstar this property label Biography information for Jim Shannon more like this
1176001
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-02-04more like thismore than 2020-02-04
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Youth Centres more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what estimate the Church of England has made of the number of church-based youth clubs; and what assessment he has made of effect of those clubs on the wellbeing of the young people that use them. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Strangford more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Jim Shannon more like this
unstar this property uin 12268 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-02-06more like thismore than 2020-02-06
star this property answer text <p>The Church of England employs 2,670 children and youth workers in its parishes, and there are 80,000 volunteers across the church who are engaged in projects supporting children and young people. Projects can range from holiday clubs, messy church, sports ministry and creative play.</p><p>The Church of England commissioned a research project assessing how best to approach building confidence, engagement and belonging, creating a supportive and inclusive environment in 2016 which has formed the basis of its approach. The report can be read here: <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofengland.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2F2017-11%2FRooted%2520in%2520the%2520Church%2520Summary%2520Report.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7Csimon.stanley%40churchofengland.org%7Caedf6ae675af4733dd0708d7ab1b6383%7C95e2463b3ab047b49ac1587c77ee84f0%7C0%7C1%7C637166006451445255&amp;sdata=XgFI5KrYgz5a79R4T0td9p%2FTpLQ5gHlAVC1i0RrVA%2FQ%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2017-11/Rooted%20in%20the%20Church%20Summary%20Report.pdf</a></p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-02-06T15:58:55.55Zmore like thismore than 2020-02-06T15:58:55.55Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4131
unstar this property label Biography information for Jim Shannon more like this
1177281
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-02-10more like thismore than 2020-02-10
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Christianity: Religious Freedom more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what recent discussions the Church of England has had with (a) officials in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and (b) the Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Freedom of Religion and Belief on the volume of attacks on the Christian communities throughout the world. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Strangford more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Jim Shannon more like this
unstar this property uin 14664 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-02-12more like thismore than 2020-02-12
star this property answer text <p>The Mission and Public Affairs Division of the Archbishop’s Council is in regular contact with the Freedom of Religion or Belief Team at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and has engaged on this issue with relevant embassy staff when travelling overseas. They have also had a series of meetings with the Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Freedom of Religion or Belief since his appointment. Senior Church leaders have also had meetings with the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy in recent weeks.</p><p> </p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-02-12T17:54:11.207Zmore like thismore than 2020-02-12T17:54:11.207Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4131
unstar this property label Biography information for Jim Shannon more like this
1177282
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-02-10more like thismore than 2020-02-10
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Churches: Finance more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment the Church Commissioners have made of the effect of the Strategic Development Fund on local (a) churches and (b) communities. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Strangford more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Jim Shannon more like this
unstar this property uin 14665 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-02-12more like thismore than 2020-02-12
star this property answer text <p>All projects supported by the Strategic Development Funding are subject to monitoring and evaluation. The majority of projects are ongoing and it is too early to assess the full impact of the overall programme, but generally projects have already reported nearly 9,000 new disciples, increased activity on discipleship, and a wide range of projects engaging with local communities. Examples of projects that the Strategic Development Fund is enabling include food banks, help for new mothers, outreach to homeless people, engagement with those in prison, and hospitality and other forms of support for those living in deprived communities.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-02-12T17:53:35.737Zmore like thismore than 2020-02-12T17:53:35.737Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4131
unstar this property label Biography information for Jim Shannon more like this
1177283
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-02-10more like thismore than 2020-02-10
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Churches more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is taking to monitor the effect of renewal and reform programme church planting on planting on local (a) churches and (b) communities. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Strangford more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Jim Shannon more like this
unstar this property uin 14666 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-02-12more like thismore than 2020-02-12
star this property answer text <p>Church planting is an excellent way for local churches to develop their mission and ministry, especially into communities where the church presence may be limited. Over 2,000 fresh expressions of church have been created since the Mission-Shaped Church report in 2004. These churches have proved effective at reaching people who do not normally engage with church, and at reaching young people especially.</p><p> </p><p>Since 2016 the Renewal and Reform programme and Strategic Development Funding have supported dioceses to develop church planting capacity in major population areas. These churches have shown significant growth and are also reaching de-churched, non-churched and young people.</p><p> </p><p>We specifically monitor and evaluate all projects funded by Strategic Development Funding, including their impact numerically, spiritually and in term of community impact. The Church of England also collects statistics annually from every church, including church plants and fresh expressions of church, as well as commissioning additional research on the wider impact of church planting.</p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-02-12T17:53:10.9Zmore like thismore than 2020-02-12T17:53:10.9Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4131
unstar this property label Biography information for Jim Shannon more like this
1177284
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-02-10more like thismore than 2020-02-10
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Church Commissioners: Investment more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church Commissioners are taking to help ensure that companies they invest in and comply with the Paris climate agreement. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Strangford more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Jim Shannon more like this
unstar this property uin 14667 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-02-12more like thismore than 2020-02-12
star this property answer text <p>The Church Commissioners have continued to pursue action on climate change as their overwhelming ethical investment priority.</p><p> </p><p>The Commissioners have helped grow the number of companies involved in the Transition Pathway Initiative (TPI), which is now backed by investors representing over $18 trillion of assets under management and advice. TPI scores companies according to the quality of their management of climate change issues and indicates whether their carbon emissions are aligned with the pathways required to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.</p><p> </p><p>In addition, the Commissioners have signed up to the Net Zero Asset Owner Alliance, requiring them to transition their portfolio to net zero emissions by 2050. The Alliance emphasises a change in the real economy and focuses on continued engagement with policymakers, companies and asset managers alongside low carbon investments, to create the conditions required to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.</p><p> </p><p>The Commissioners are part of Climate Action 100+ and through their own programmes encourage as many high-emitting companies as possible to meet their climate expectations. Whilst the Church can divest from companies not taking climate change seriously, they are expecting to implement their next round of climate-related restrictions by the end of 2020. In 2023 a further systematic round of restrictions is expected if companies still do not change after engagement efforts, with tougher thresholds focusing on alignment of the fossil fuel sector and electric utilities with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Following sustained engagement from the Church and other investors BP have recently announced their ambition to become a net-zero emissions company by 2050.</p><p> </p><p>The Church of England Pensions Board have also recently launched a Paris-aligned passive investment index with FTSE Russell and announced a commitment of £600m to the new Index.</p><p> </p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-02-12T17:52:24.69Zmore like thismore than 2020-02-12T17:52:24.69Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4131
unstar this property label Biography information for Jim Shannon more like this
1177285
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-02-10more like thismore than 2020-02-10
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Archbishop of Canterbury more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what the outcomes were of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s recent visits to the (a) Democratic Republic of the Congo and (b) South Sudan. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Strangford more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Jim Shannon more like this
unstar this property uin 14668 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-02-12more like thismore than 2020-02-12
star this property answer text <p>A) The Archbishop of Canterbury visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo in November 2019 when he spent four days travelling to see Ebola treatment centres and meet doctors, patients and survivors. The Archbishop's Office has been working with aid agencies to promote resources and best practice for clergy who are working in areas of outbreak. On 4<sup>th</sup> February 2020 the Archbishop released a statement of concern following a new wave of violence leading to the death of 70 civilians in Deni. Among those killed was the Reverend Yese Ngulongo and others within the local Christian community. The Archbishop called on local and international leaders to pursue a comprehensive strategy to bring lasting peace and reconciliation to the country.</p><p>B) The Archbishop and His Holiness Pope Francis remain committed to finding a peaceful way forward in South Sudan, and the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches have been jointly at the forefront of efforts to bring peace to the country. The Church is encouraged that some progress appears to be being made and the ceasefire is holding. However concerns remain that the South Sudanese Principals have not yet been able to find ways to resolve outstanding pre-transitional issues. While this situation continues it will be very difficult for His Holiness and the Archbishop to visit the country, which they have committed to doing together. Conversations are ongoing at an international level to encourage those in Government to use their power to find solutions that would enable all South Sudanese peoples to return home.</p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-02-12T17:51:08.02Zmore like thismore than 2020-02-12T17:51:08.02Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4131
unstar this property label Biography information for Jim Shannon more like this
1177286
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-02-10more like thismore than 2020-02-10
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Anglicanism more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what the outcomes were of the recent Anglican Primates meeting in Jordan. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Strangford more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Jim Shannon more like this
unstar this property uin 14669 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-02-12more like thismore than 2020-02-12
star this property answer text <p>The Anglican Primates Meeting took place in Jordan in January 2020. The Primates of the Anglican Communion are Archbishops, Presiding Bishops, Moderators and chief pastors of the 40 provinces. Their Churches are autonomous yet inter-dependent in their relationships with each other.</p><p> </p><p>The 33 Primates who attended the meeting discussed preparations for the Lambeth Conference 2020 and also approved the formation of the new province of Alexandria, which covers Egypt, North Africa and the Horn of Africa. They also discussed the proposal for the creation of the new province of the Church of Ceylon (Sri Lanka). The full communique can be read here: <a href="https://aco.org/media/355576/primates-meeting-2020-communique.pdf" target="_blank">https://aco.org/media/355576/primates-meeting-2020-communique.pdf</a></p><p> </p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-02-12T17:50:27.437Zmore like thismore than 2020-02-12T17:50:27.437Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4131
unstar this property label Biography information for Jim Shannon more like this
1177287
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-02-10more like thismore than 2020-02-10
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Clergy: Training more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is taking to inform and educate its clergy on (a) scientific advances and (b) new technologies. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Strangford more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Jim Shannon more like this
unstar this property uin 14670 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-02-12more like thismore than 2020-02-12
star this property answer text <p>The Church of England’s Mission and Public Affairs Division has partnered with the Universities of Durham and York to address gaps in understanding between science and religion. Equipping Christian Leaders in an Age of Science has been running for four years and has just been awarded £3.4m by the Templeton Religion Trust for its next phases. The team has organised 11 conferences enabling bishops and senior church leaders to engage with the latest developments in topics ranging from neuroscience to cosmology.</p><p> </p><p>The Church of England is also a partner in the Centre for Doctoral Training in AI Ethics at the University of Bath, along with numerous other industry partners, gaining understanding which will be shared within the Church. The Bishop of Oxford is a member of the House of Lords Select Committee on AI and is a board member of the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation. The Church also made a submission to the recently-published consultation by the Committee for Standards in Public Life on the impact of AI on public life.</p><p> </p><p>All this work on new technologies will feed into the Equipping Christian Leaders in an Age of Science project and the wider engagement of the Church on public affairs. In March 2020 three new pieces of research will begin. These are designed to deepen understanding of science and to resource and expand the reach of Church engagement. This research will take place at Durham University, York University and within the Mission and Public Affairs Division of the Archbishops' Council.</p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-02-12T17:49:51.237Zmore like thismore than 2020-02-12T17:49:51.237Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4131
unstar this property label Biography information for Jim Shannon more like this
1177288
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-02-10more like thismore than 2020-02-10
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Marriage more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is taking to strengthen and marriage and family life. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Strangford more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Jim Shannon more like this
unstar this property uin 14671 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-02-12more like thismore than 2020-02-12
star this property answer text <p>At parish level clergy and parishioners often work with couples to prepare them ahead of their wedding for life together, support them afterwards, and through voluntary activities offer groups and facilities for families and children, which help sustain community.</p><p>Marriage preparation work will often include church-led marriage enrichment workshops and other courses and support for couples at every stage of their marriage. Through the Life Events programme the Church is working with clergy and other church leaders to enhance the depth of engagement with couples through wedding planning.</p><p>The Church, including through the Bishops in the House of Lords, continues to highlight and address the social and economic issues that place strain on married relationships, including the Bishop of St Albans’s work on the impact of gambling and the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Commission on Housing, Church and Community. The Church of England also made a submission to the Government’s consultation on no-fault divorce and the Lords Spiritual have engaged with the legislation in Parliament.</p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-02-12T17:49:02.797Zmore like thismore than 2020-02-12T17:49:02.797Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4131
unstar this property label Biography information for Jim Shannon more like this
1177598
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-02-11more like thismore than 2020-02-11
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Church of England: Carbon Emissions more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what support the Church of England is receiving from (a) local authorities and (b central government to help reduce their carbon footprint. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Strangford more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Jim Shannon more like this
unstar this property uin 504 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-02-13more like thismore than 2020-02-13
star this property answer text <p>The National Church Institutions of the Church of England are not receiving support from central government or local authorities to help reduce their carbon footprint. While there may be instances of local parishes being given one-off small grants, records of these are not held centrally.</p><p>The Church of England's General Synod met in February 2020 to discuss reducing the carbon footprint of the Church. The Synod voted to call upon all parts of the Church of England to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. More information about the vote at the Synod can be found here: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/general-synod-sets-2030-net-zero-carbon-target" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/general-synod-sets-2030-net-zero-carbon-target</a></p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-02-13T14:37:09.797Zmore like thismore than 2020-02-13T14:37:09.797Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4131
unstar this property label Biography information for Jim Shannon more like this
1180185
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-02-24more like thismore than 2020-02-24
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Churches: Bats more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what (a) policy changes and (b) steps the Church of England is taking in relation to the 2019 survey of bats in churches undertaken with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Christchurch more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Sir Christopher Chope more like this
unstar this property uin 19751 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-02-28more like thismore than 2020-02-28
star this property answer text <p>The £3.8m funding from the National Heritage Lottery Fund that was secured in 2018, enabled not just one survey, but a five-year Bats in Churches partnership project made up of the Church of England, Natural England, Historic England, the Bat Conservation Trust, and the Churches Conservation Trust.</p><p>The project is working with ecologists, church architects, heritage experts and church communities to support and develop bespoke solutions for around 120 churches struggling with unsustainable bat roosts across the country. Churches that are part of the project are continuously monitored to ensure there is no damage to the bat populations. Additionally, a nationwide volunteer-led four-year survey, the ‘Bats in Churches Study’ is to be launched this summer and will give an in-depth picture of how bats are using Church of England churches and the attitudes of churchgoers towards them.</p><p>The Bats in Churches project is now in its second year and can report the delivery of three successful mitigation works in some of the worst affected churches, in Braunston-in-Rutland, Tattershall and Swanton Morley. These three schemes have enabled congregations and the wider community to co-exist harmoniously alongside the bats and for church heritage to be respected.</p><p>Other projects nearing completion include:</p><ul><li>St Pega’s Church Peakirk, following a lead theft that has enabled bat mitigation to be incorporated into the re-roofing repair work.</li><li>St John the Baptist Church in Cold Overton is similarly incorporating bat mitigation into its repairs.</li></ul><p>Support for churches sheltering bats is available from the Bats in Churches project who are running events to build networks of volunteers, links to bat and heritage groups and specialist cleaning workshops and advice.</p><p> </p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-02-28T10:56:16.1Zmore like thismore than 2020-02-28T10:56:16.1Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
242
unstar this property label Biography information for Sir Christopher Chope more like this
1183889
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-03-10more like thismore than 2020-03-10
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Church of England: Travellers more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what progress has been made on (a) making Church land available for Gypsy and Traveller sites and (b) other plans to tackle racism and discrimination as agreed at the General Synod in February 2019. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Stretford and Urmston more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Kate Green more like this
unstar this property uin 27547 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-03-12more like thismore than 2020-03-12
star this property answer text <p>The Church Commissioners manage the charitable and historic endowments of the Church to support mission and ministry financially. The Commissioners seek to make provision for a range of housing types on their land but have not recently been made aware of any requirements for the direct provision of Gypsy and Traveller accommodation on that land. Other land at a parish and diocesan level is not under the ownership or management of the Church Commissioners.</p><p>The Church has an active network for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people and is also running an annual training day for clergy that offers support and guidance, alongside a conference on 24<sup>th</sup> March 2020 which aims to give voice and visibility to minorities not traditionally heard, seen and represented in the Church of England.</p><p>The Church of England’s Ministry Division and clergy senior appointments team have developed a programme of work to support vocations from UKME communities and is working towards increasing representation in the senior leadership of the Church.</p><p>The Church will also be making an additional £20 million available over three years under its new Social Impact Investment Project, which incentivises positive investment in communities over the maximisation of financial return. One of the key areas for this project will be looking at the social impact of housing and consideration will be given to the housing needs of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller peoples.</p><p>At its February 2020 session the General Synod of the Church of England debated and passed the following motion:</p><p>“<strong>Windrush Commitment and Legacy</strong></p><p>That this Synod, commemorating in 2018 the martyrdom of the Revd Dr Martin Luther King, Jr., noting with joy the 70th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush liner in the United Kingdom in June 1948 bringing nearly 500 Commonwealth citizens, mainly from the Caribbean, to mainland UK; and the eventual arrival of approximately half a million people from the West Indies, who were called to Britain as British subjects to help rebuild the post-war United Kingdom:</p><p>a. lament, on behalf of Christ's Church, and apologises for, the conscious and unconscious racism experienced by countless black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) Anglicans in 1948 and subsequent years, when seeking to find a spiritual home in their local Church of England parish churches, the memory of which is still painful to committed Anglicans who, in spite of this racism from clergy and others, have remained faithful to the Church of England and their Anglican heritage;</p><p>b. request the Archbishops’ Council to commission research to assess the impact of this on the Church of England in terms of church members lost, churches declining into closure, and vocations to ordained and licensed lay ministries missed, and to report back to this Synod and the wider Church.”</p><p>c. express gratitude to God for the indispensable contribution to the mission, ministry, prayer and worship of Christ's Church in this nation made by people of BAME descent in the Church of England;</p><p>d. acknowledge and give joyful thanks for the wider contribution of the 'Windrush generation' and their descendants to UK life and culture in every field of human activity, including service across the Armed Forces and other services during and after the Second World War; and</p><p>e. resolve to continue, with great effort and urgency, to stamp out all forms of conscious or unconscious racism, and to commit the Church of England to increase the participation and representation of lay and ordained BAME Anglicans throughout Church life;</p><p>f. request the Archbishop’s Council to appoint an independent person external to the Church to assess the current situation as regards race and ethnicity in the Church, in order to present a report to this Synod with recommendations for actions to achieve reconciliation and authentic belonging so that we can move towards truly being a Church for all people;</p><p>g. to the greater glory of the God in whose image every human being is made.</p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-03-12T15:49:54.977Zmore like thismore than 2020-03-12T15:49:54.977Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4120
unstar this property label Biography information for Kate Green more like this
1184662
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-03-12more like thismore than 2020-03-12
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Church of England: Marriage more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, in what circumstances a Church of Scotland minister is able to conduct a wedding in the Church of England. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency New Forest West more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Sir Desmond Swayne more like this
unstar this property uin 28560 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-03-18more like thismore than 2020-03-18
star this property answer text <p>The clergy of other denominations cannot conduct Church of England marriages, though they may be able to participate to a limited extent in Church of England weddings by, for example, reading lessons, or leading prayers by agreement with the local incumbent or priest who is officiating.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-03-18T17:12:17.93Zmore like thismore than 2020-03-18T17:12:17.93Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
55
unstar this property label Biography information for Sir Desmond Swayne more like this
1185182
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-03-16more like thismore than 2020-03-16
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Church of England: Carbon Emissions more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is taking to use its investments to support business transitioning to a low carbon economy. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Strangford more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Jim Shannon more like this
unstar this property uin 29873 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-03-18more like thismore than 2020-03-18
star this property answer text <p>As responsible investors and members of the UN-convened Net Zero Asset Owner Alliance, the Church Commissioners regard climate change as a vital issue and have pledged to transition their investment to a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions portfolio by 2050. They will set their first interim emissions reduction target as members of the Net Zero Asset Owner Alliance in 2020 and will work with their public equities managers to achieve it.</p><p>The Church of England National Investing Bodies (NIBs), are guided by the commitments made by the NIBs in July 2018 General Synod debate on climate change and investment. Starting in 2020 the NIBs are committed to disinvest from companies that are not taking seriously their responsibilities to assist with the transition to a low carbon economy. In a new commitment, the NIBs indicated that by 2023 they would disinvest from fossil fuel companies that are not prepared to align with the goal of the Paris Agreement.</p><p>The Transition Pathway Initiative (TPI) is a global initiative, co-founded by the Church of England National Investing Bodies in 2017, to assess companies' preparedness for the transition to a low carbon economy. It ended 2019 supported by investors with over $16 trillion of assets.</p><p>The Church of England Pension Board launched the FTSE TPI Climate Transition Index in January at the London Stock Exchange . The Index rewards those companies with public targets aligned to the Paris Agreement whilst significantly underweighting or excluding those that do not.</p><p>The new index embeds forward-looking climate data from TPI - namely the TPI <em>carbon performance metric that </em>assesses a company on its plans for alignment with the transition to a low carbon economy. Companies currently excluded from the index would be included if they set public emissions targets (covering all their emissions) aligned to the goals of the Paris Agreement. We believe it to be the first global index of its kind that will allow passive funds to play an active role in supporting the Paris Climate Agreement.</p><p>The Church is also part of Climate Action 100+ (‘CA100+'), which is an investor initiative seeking to ensure the world's largest corporate greenhouse gas emitters take necessary action on climate change, consistent with goal of the Paris Agreement to restrict warming to well below two degrees Celsius. CA100+ is supported by more than 370 investors with over $41 trillion of assets. The Commissioners were founding supporters, the Transition Pathway Initiative is one of the Climate Action100+ official data partners, and its assessments are used to benchmark companies.</p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-03-18T17:14:46.177Zmore like thismore than 2020-03-18T17:14:46.177Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4131
unstar this property label Biography information for Jim Shannon more like this
1185183
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-03-16more like thismore than 2020-03-16
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Church of England: Carbon Emissions more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, how the Church of England plans to deliver on the General Synod's decision to make the Church carbon zero by 2030. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Strangford more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Jim Shannon more like this
unstar this property uin 29874 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-03-18more like thismore than 2020-03-18
star this property answer text <p>The Church of England is committed to reducing its own carbon footprint and is developing several strategies to deliver this, including across its 44,000 properties and schools.</p><p>The General Synod at its meeting in February 2020 committed the Church to report back in three years time on whether it could meet the ambitious target set by the Synod of decarbonising the Church by 2030.</p><p>One of the first steps has already started and many listed buildings have started exploring installing new renewable technology to improve their energy use. A good example is Gloucester Cathedral, a grade 1 listed building, which has managed to install solar panels on its roof.</p><p>The Church is working with A Rocha to recognise achievement by church buildings and dioceses with Eco-Church awards at either bronze, silver or gold standard.</p><p>A new initiative the Church has developed is an energy rating tool for church buildings, which calculates the energy consumption of the parish church. It takes into account factors including the type of power the parish uses, whether they are on 'green' tariffs, the size of the building and usage.</p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-03-18T17:17:41.933Zmore like thismore than 2020-03-18T17:17:41.933Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4131
unstar this property label Biography information for Jim Shannon more like this
1185184
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-03-16more like thismore than 2020-03-16
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Church of England: Charitable Donations more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, with reference to the declining use of cash throughout the UK, what steps the Church of England is taking to change the way it collects donations in parishes. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Strangford more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Jim Shannon more like this
unstar this property uin 29875 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-03-18more like thismore than 2020-03-18
star this property answer text <p>The Church recognised in 2017 the need to adapt to the major move away from cash towards contactless payments. Today a much larger, fast-evolving range of contactless solutions is available through the Church’s own Parish Buying service, with over 1,900 churches now having the means to accept payments or donations by card or mobile phone. The Church aims to have over half of its 16,000 churches able to take contactless payments and donations in the next three years. The Church of England in partnership with the Church in Wales is working through its ‘Parish Buying' programme to negotiate competitive prices for churches. More information on that can be found at the ‘Parish Buying' website: <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.parishbuying.org.uk%2Fcategories%2Fgiving-and-payments&amp;data=02%7C01%7Csimon.stanley%40churchofengland.org%7C463efdae0e324efdbb5d08d7cb5f674d%7C95e2463b3ab047b49ac1587c77ee84f0%7C0%7C0%7C637201482941279346&amp;sdata=XLQDDc%2FkW4gGHUCAeltyWaZywD6ipD4RV2qcPgP%2FuOE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.parishbuying.org.uk/categories/giving-and-payments</a></p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-03-18T17:18:50.473Zmore like thismore than 2020-03-18T17:18:50.473Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4131
unstar this property label Biography information for Jim Shannon more like this
1185185
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-03-16more like thismore than 2020-03-16
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Archbishop of Canterbury: South Sudan more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what progress is being made on the Archbishop’s plans to make a joint visit to South Sudan with His Holiness the Pope. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Strangford more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Jim Shannon more like this
unstar this property uin 29876 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-03-18more like thismore than 2020-03-18
star this property answer text <p>The Archbishop of Canterbury remains committed to making a visit to South Sudan following the formation of the Transitional Government. Discussions are underway to assess opportunities for a joint visit together with His Holiness the Pope and a senior representative of the Church of Scotland.</p><p>Peace and security in South Sudan are of vital importance, and the Archbishop has been meeting with key regional figures such as President Museveni of Uganda and Special Envoy Kalonzo of Kenya to discuss this.</p><p>The Archbishop keeps in regular contact with Archbishop Justin Badi and the South Sudan Council of Churches leaders to discuss their priorities for the local church and how they can be best supported.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-03-18T17:20:34.947Zmore like thismore than 2020-03-18T17:20:34.947Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4131
unstar this property label Biography information for Jim Shannon more like this
1185186
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-03-16more like thismore than 2020-03-16
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Archbishop of Canterbury: Uganda more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what the outcome was of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s recent visit to Uganda to discuss the peace and security challenges facing the region. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Strangford more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Jim Shannon more like this
unstar this property uin 29877 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-03-18more like thismore than 2020-03-18
star this property answer text <p>During his recent visit to Uganda for the enthronement of the 9<sup>th</sup> Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Archbishop of Canterbury was invited to meet with President Museveni.</p><p>The Archbishop of Canterbury paid tribute to President Museveni for hosting large numbers of refugees from South Sudan in Uganda and discussed regional politics, peace and security. The Archbishop also discussed the intention for the global Anglican Communion to plant 100 million trees globally over the next five years as part of its contribution to environmental protection.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-03-18T17:22:06.97Zmore like thismore than 2020-03-18T17:22:06.97Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4131
unstar this property label Biography information for Jim Shannon more like this
1185187
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-03-16more like thismore than 2020-03-16
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Churches: Theft more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, with reference to recent thefts of lead roofs and bells from churches in Yorkshire and Wiltshire, what steps the Church of England is taking to protect churches from thefts of lead and bells. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Strangford more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Jim Shannon more like this
unstar this property uin 29878 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-03-18more like thismore than 2020-03-18
star this property answer text <p>The Church of England has witnessed a steady increase in metal theft recently. Between 2018 and 2019, reports of thefts were up 25%. The rise is attributed to an increase in international metal prices. Additionally, significant thefts are being co-ordinated by organised criminals working in teams. The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 had great success initially, but further work is necessary to update the law to reflect the organised nature of this crime.</p><p>Recent cases of theft have included the 291-year-old bell from Bremilham Church in Wiltshire, recognised as the smallest church in England. In North Yorkshire 60% of the lead roof was stolen from St Peter's Church, Brafferton. This church had only just completed an extensive refurbishment and has now been left with a £80,000-£100,000 repair bill. Thefts are generally moving north and west along the major transport routes and while the additional funding from the Government to assist all religious buildings increase their security is welcome, it does not address the underlying causes of this sort of organised crime.</p><p>Church buildings are a community resource and are not just used by worshipers. All Parochial Church Councils are encouraged to take all measure they feel appropriate to deter potential thieves, such as using smart water and installing roof alarms. Many churches have found that by being open more frequently and welcoming people in, rather than only opening for services, this has helped reduce the risk of thefts.</p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-03-18T17:24:20.717Zmore like thismore than 2020-03-18T17:24:20.717Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4131
unstar this property label Biography information for Jim Shannon more like this
1185188
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-03-16more like thismore than 2020-03-16
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Church of England: Personal Records more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is taking to use new technology to make its graveyard records available. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Strangford more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Jim Shannon more like this
unstar this property uin 29879 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-03-18more like thismore than 2020-03-18
star this property answer text <p>The Church of England is starting to map its thousands of graveyards over the next five years, with the first trials taking place in the Huddersfield area. This will enable for the first time a comprehensive database of British burial sites.</p><p>The Church of England project hopes to immortalise the tombs of millions of people buried, as well as those interred on unconsecrated land. Maps and photographs will be uploaded alongside burial records in a searchable database</p><p>The Church is grateful to Historic England for backing the project, which it has match-funded, and hopes that this will make its 35 million burial records, and the even larger number of memorials, available to the public through an integrated searchable map.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-03-18T17:25:23.157Zmore like thismore than 2020-03-18T17:25:23.157Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4131
unstar this property label Biography information for Jim Shannon more like this
1186409
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-03-19more like thismore than 2020-03-19
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Church of England: Charitable Donations more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is taking to change the way parish donations are collected in response to reductions in the use of cash. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Wycombe more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Mr Steve Baker more like this
unstar this property uin 32147 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-03-24more like thismore than 2020-03-24
star this property answer text <p>The Church recognises the need to adapt to the move away from cash towards contactless payments. A large and fast-evolving range of contactless solutions is available through the Church’s own Parish Buying service, with over 1,900 churches now having the means to accept payments or donations by card or mobile phone. The Church aims to have over half of its 16,000 churches able to take contactless payments and donations in the next three years.</p><p>The Church of England in partnership with the Church in Wales is working through its Parish Buying programme to negotiate competitive prices for churches. More information on that can be found at the Parish Buying website: <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.parishbuying.org.uk%2Fcategories%2Fgiving-and-payments&amp;data=02%7C01%7Csimon.stanley%40churchofengland.org%7Cf1379cd5c6d54c494ac908d7d008aec4%7C95e2463b3ab047b49ac1587c77ee84f0%7C0%7C0%7C637206608062647135&amp;sdata=GyOzM%2Ba5e6yeWdhv0BZXzE3kfgZCaKPTd%2BCpXxbaer0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.parishbuying.org.uk/categories/giving-and-payments</a></p><p>The Church of England has also been encouraging congregations to move to electronic planed giving schemes. This is primarily to reduce administrative burdens on volunteers, but at a time when churches have closed for public health reasons, electronic planned giving ensures continuity of a regular income.</p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-03-24T17:20:37.497Zmore like thismore than 2020-03-24T17:20:37.497Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4064
unstar this property label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker more like this
1186537
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-03-19more like thismore than 2020-03-19
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Cemeteries: Repairs and Maintenance more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church is taking to ensure the maintenance of its burial grounds. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Newcastle-under-Lyme more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Aaron Bell more like this
unstar this property uin 32199 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-03-24more like thismore than 2020-03-24
star this property answer text <p>The responsibility for maintenance of Church of England churchyards that are open for burials lies with each Parochial Church Council. However, if the churchyard has been closed for burials by order of the Privy Council or other agreement, the usual practice is for responsibility to transfer to the relevant Local Authority. Maintenance of a closed churchyard is still undertaken in line with the relevant ecclesiastical legislation, which still applies. Each diocese similarly produces its own guidance and regulations.</p><p> </p><p>Advice and guidance is always available for parishes and all local authorities from the Cathedral and Church Buildings Division of the Archbishops’ Council. The Church Buildings Division is currently developing a digital Burial Grounds Management System with external partners. This will in the next few years digitally map all graveyards and burial records to allow a publicly available and searchable records and monuments map to increase access to our churchyards. Following a successful trial in the Diocese of Leeds this project will gradually roll out to the rest of the country.</p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-03-24T17:15:44.113Zmore like thismore than 2020-03-24T17:15:44.113Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4837
unstar this property label Biography information for Aaron Bell more like this
1192320
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-05-01more like thismore than 2020-05-01
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Churches: Coronavirus more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, when churches will be re-opened for worshippers. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Rother Valley more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Alexander Stafford more like this
unstar this property uin 42227 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-05-05more like thismore than 2020-05-05
star this property answer text <p>It is essential that when church buildings reopen for public worship or private prayer by members of the public, that it is done safely. In the meantime, churches across the country are holding virtual services and offering support to the vulnerable and elderly. Where they are unable to do this locally national resources are available such as the national church service on a Sunday and the Daily Hope phone line.</p><p> </p><p>The Church is adapting and rising to the challenge of supporting their community physically and spiritually during this medical emergency. The Church is regularly reviewing the medical advice and is in regular conversation with the Government. What is needed is a wide range of detailed protocols and practices to be established to ensure that church buildings and services do not represent risks for renewed transmission of the virus.</p><p> </p><p>The Church of England is currently preparing for the reopening of church buildings, but it must be recognised that not all churches and clergy may be able to satisfy all the necessary criteria, especially in the early stages of the recovery phase. This has been the experience in other jurisdictions such as Germany where the Government has advised that churches can be reopened for public worship.</p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-05-05T15:01:28.667Zmore like thismore than 2020-05-05T15:01:28.667Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4866
unstar this property label Biography information for Alexander Stafford more like this
1192321
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-05-01more like thismore than 2020-05-01
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Churches: Coronavirus more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, for what reasons churches and other places of worship were not listed as essential services in the covid-19 lockdown guidance. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Rother Valley more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Alexander Stafford more like this
unstar this property uin 42228 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-05-05more like thismore than 2020-05-05
star this property answer text <p>Following the address to the nation made by the Prime Minister on the 23<sup>rd</sup> March, the Church of England took the difficult decision that it would ask this clergy to close their parish churches to the public due to the unprecedented high risk of transmission of the covid-19 virus. While the church buildings and halls were shut, their congregations have continued, where possible, to live out their vocation and mission to serve the needs of their local communities during the lockdown period.</p><p> </p><p>The Government listed the clergy as key workers during the medical emergency, and it has enabled them to continue to meet the needs of their communities right across the country, serving as chaplains, officiating at funerals, administering last rites, operating food banks and other essential community services.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-05-05T15:00:29.557Zmore like thismore than 2020-05-05T15:00:29.557Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4866
unstar this property label Biography information for Alexander Stafford more like this
1192783
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-05-04more like thismore than 2020-05-04
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Churches: VE Day more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Right Hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is taking to fly Union Flags on its churches for the 75th Anniversary of VE Day. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency West Dorset more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Chris Loder more like this
unstar this property uin 43168 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-05-06more like thismore than 2020-05-06
star this property answer text <p>The House of Bishops revised their guidance on access to churches on the 5th May 2020. <br>The new guidance can be read here: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/house-bishops-backs-phased-approach-revising-access-church-buildings" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/house-bishops-backs-phased-approach-revising-access-church-buildings</a></p><p>Government guidance states that ‘a minister of religion or worship leader may leave their home to travel to their place of worship’. In most cases, they will do so in order to pray or to stream a service of worship. If clergy wish to mark VE Day by ringing a church bell or flying a flag from their church buildings, that is within government guidance. This advice does not extend to bell-ringers, sextons or other church officers or volunteers.</p><p>The parish church would usually be central to local commemorations of events such as Victory in Europe Day, but for this anniversary they will be honouring the sacrifice of all those who were involved in World War Two in a new way. Archbishops, Bishops and clergy will be participating in local and national virtual services to mark VE Day. The Church of England has released national resources for worship and prayer which can be used by local communities: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/worship-texts-and-resources/worship-resources-ve-day-2020" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/worship-texts-and-resources/worship-resources-ve-day-2020</a></p><p>Additional resources have been released by Westminster Abbey to help churches shape their services over the anniversary weekend which can be found here: <a href="https://www.leeds.anglican.org/sites/default/files/files/veday2015resources.pdf" target="_blank">Service of Thanksgiving to mark the 70th Anniversary of VE Day</a></p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-05-06T16:20:19.527Zmore like thismore than 2020-05-06T16:20:19.527Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4751
unstar this property label Biography information for Chris Loder more like this
1194222
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-05-11more like thismore than 2020-05-11
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Churches: Coronavirus more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is planning to take to allow it to reopen churches as soon as possible while limiting the risk of spreading covid-19. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Romford more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Andrew Rosindell more like this
unstar this property uin 45018 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-05-18more like thismore than 2020-05-18
star this property answer text <p>The Church of England is committed to the reopening of buildings in a phased way, in accordance with the rules, restrictions and timetable established by Government. On 5<sup>th</sup> May the House of Bishops issued guidance, which can be seen here: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/house-bishops-backs-phased-approach-revising-access-church-buildings" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/house-bishops-backs-phased-approach-revising-access-church-buildings</a></p><p>We are working with Government and with representatives of the heritage planning sector to assess the need for building adaptations related to public safety in our cathedral and church buildings, and in particular temporary additions or changes that might need to be made to enable social distancing and proper hygiene. We are committed to enabling our churches and cathedrals to make such changes as might be needed to allow them to reopen safely.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-05-18T16:06:28.87Zmore like thismore than 2020-05-18T16:06:28.87Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property previous answer version
21588
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
1447
unstar this property label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell more like this
1194322
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-05-11more like thismore than 2020-05-11
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Churches: Coronavirus more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps is the Government taking to work with churches and dioceses to ensure the safe opening of churches for religious worship. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Bosworth more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Dr Luke Evans more like this
unstar this property uin 45480 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-05-18more like thismore than 2020-05-18
star this property answer text <p>The Church of England is committed to the reopening of buildings in a phased way, in accordance with the rules, restrictions and timetable established by Government. On 5<sup>th</sup> May the House of Bishops issued guidance, which can be seen here: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/house-bishops-backs-phased-approach-revising-access-church-buildings" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/house-bishops-backs-phased-approach-revising-access-church-buildings</a></p><p>We are working with Government and with representatives of the heritage planning sector to assess the need for building adaptations related to public safety in our cathedral and church buildings, and in particular temporary additions or changes that might need to be made to enable social distancing and proper hygiene. We are committed to enabling our churches and cathedrals to make such changes as might be needed to allow them to reopen safely.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-05-18T16:07:34.443Zmore like thismore than 2020-05-18T16:07:34.443Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property previous answer version
21587
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4781
unstar this property label Biography information for Dr Luke Evans more like this
1195763
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-05-13more like thismore than 2020-05-13
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Churches: Coronavirus more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what discussions he has had with the Diocese of Hereford on lost revenues resulting from the closure of places of worship during the covid-19 outbreak. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency The Wrekin more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Mark Pritchard more like this
unstar this property uin 46581 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-05-18more like thismore than 2020-05-18
star this property answer text <p>The Church Commissioners and National Church Institutions are in discussions with dioceses during this challenging period, including on the evolving financial impact. A series of structured interviews have been held with every diocese, including with the Diocese of Hereford at the end of April. Though too early for detailed conclusions, it was clear that the financial challenges will be significant.</p><p> </p><p>The Church announced a national package of financial support for dioceses on 27 March, providing funds to support liquidity in dioceses where this was needed, with a further announcement following on 14 May. See: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/churchofengland.org/update-financial-support-for-dioceses-and-cathedrals-in-light-of-the-coronavirus?e=fbaf3379f3" target="_blank">https://mailchi.mp/churchofengland.org/update-financial-support-for-dioceses-and-cathedrals-in-light-of-the-coronavirus?e=fbaf3379f3</a> We are continuing to consider how best dioceses can be further supported in terms of both immediate needs, and in strengthening their long-term missional health and financial sustainability</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-05-18T16:10:25.88Zmore like thismore than 2020-05-18T16:10:25.88Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
1576
unstar this property label Biography information for Mark Pritchard more like this
1195764
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-05-13more like thismore than 2020-05-13
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Churches: Coronavirus more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what discussions he has had with the Diocese of Lichfield on lost revenues resulting from the closure of places of worship during the covid-19 outbreak. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency The Wrekin more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Mark Pritchard more like this
unstar this property uin 46582 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-05-18more like thismore than 2020-05-18
star this property answer text <p>The Church Commissioners and National Church Institutions are in discussions with dioceses during this challenging period, including on the evolving financial impact. A series of structured interviews have been held with every diocese, including with the Diocese of Lichfield at the beginning of May. Though too early for detailed conclusions, it was clear that the financial challenges will be significant.</p><p> </p><p>The Church announced a national package of financial support for dioceses on 27 March, providing funds to support liquidity in dioceses where this was needed, with a further announcement following on 14 May. See: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/churchofengland.org/update-financial-support-for-dioceses-and-cathedrals-in-light-of-the-coronavirus?e=fbaf3379f3" target="_blank">https://mailchi.mp/churchofengland.org/update-financial-support-for-dioceses-and-cathedrals-in-light-of-the-coronavirus?e=fbaf3379f3</a> We are continuing to consider how best dioceses can be further supported in terms of both immediate needs, and in strengthening their long-term missional health and financial sustainability</p><p> </p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-05-18T16:09:45.137Zmore like thismore than 2020-05-18T16:09:45.137Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
1576
unstar this property label Biography information for Mark Pritchard more like this
1196249
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-05-15more like thismore than 2020-05-15
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Church Services: Attendance more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what is the average church attendance each week in (a) Rother Valley Constituency, (b) Yorkshire, and (c) England in each year of the last five years. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Rother Valley more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Alexander Stafford more like this
unstar this property uin 47487 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-05-19more like thismore than 2020-05-19
star this property answer text <p>The most recent survey of church attendance was published in 2018, and the table below contains figures aggregated from 2014-18 using average weekly attendance figures at all age services. These figures are collected each year during four weeks in October.</p><p>The figures in the table below include adult and child attendance at Sunday and midweek church services and fresh expressions, but not attendance at services for schools. Special local services such as memorials to commemorate flooding – can lead to fluctuations in the figures.</p><table><tbody><tr><td><p> </p></td><td><p>2014</p></td><td><p>2015</p></td><td><p>2016</p></td><td><p>2017</p></td><td><p>2018</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Rother Valley*</p></td><td><p>1,450</p></td><td><p>1,260</p></td><td><p>1,170</p></td><td><p>1,130</p></td><td><p>980</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Yorkshire*</p></td><td><p>82,600</p></td><td><p>82,800</p></td><td><p>77,600</p></td><td><p>75,500</p></td><td><p>75,200</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Church of England</p></td><td><p>975,300</p></td><td><p>959,900</p></td><td><p>921,700</p></td><td><p>893,900</p></td><td><p>870,900</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p>More information can be found in the annual Statistics for Mission report: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/media/18763" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/media/18763</a></p><p>Parish boundaries do not coincide with constituency or county boundaries. Figures in the table are based on reasonable approximations as follows:</p><ul><li>The Rother Valley figure refers to the parishes in the Deanery of Laughton along with the parishes of Whiston and Wickersley.</li><li>The Yorkshire figure refers to the Dioceses of York, Leeds, and Sheffield.</li></ul>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-05-19T17:10:19.423Zmore like thismore than 2020-05-19T17:10:19.423Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4866
unstar this property label Biography information for Alexander Stafford more like this
1196972
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-05-19more like thismore than 2020-05-19
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Churches: Coronavirus more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what the Commissioners' timetable is for enabling churches to reopen safely for funeral services after the covid-19 lockdown. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency York Central more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Rachael Maskell more like this
unstar this property uin 902797 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-05-19more like thismore than 2020-05-19
star this property answer text <p>The Church Commissioners do not have responsibility for setting a timetable for the reopening of church buildings for funeral services. Current guidance from the House of Bishops is not to conduct funeral services in church buildings because of widely expressed concerns about parishes having capacity to conduct such funerals safely, including being able to clean churches thoroughly between services to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus. This is guidance, not instruction.</p><p> </p><p>We are acutely aware of the anguish of those not able to have or attend a funeral in their parish church in the current circumstances. Where it is requested a priest will be present to conduct a funeral service, either at a crematorium or at the churchyard. The House of Bishops meets regularly to review its guidance which will be updated in line with changing circumstances, and published on the Church of England website.</p><p> </p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-05-19T17:05:20.977Zmore like thismore than 2020-05-19T17:05:20.977Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4471
unstar this property label Biography information for Rachael Maskell more like this
1196973
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-05-19more like thismore than 2020-05-19
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Churches: Coronavirus more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what the Commissioners' timetable is for churches to reopen for baptisms, weddings and funerals following the covid-19 outbreak. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Huddersfield more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Mr Barry Sheerman more like this
unstar this property uin 902798 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-05-19more like thismore than 2020-05-19
star this property answer text <p>The Church Commissioners do not have responsibility for setting a timetable for the reopening of church buildings for funeral services. Baptisms and weddings cannot at present be celebrated inside church buildings, and the relevant Cabinet Office and MHCLG guidance can be seen here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close-guidance#contents" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close-guidance#contents</a></p><p>Current guidance from the House of Bishops is not to conduct funeral services in church buildings because of widely expressed concerns about parishes having capacity to conduct such funerals safely, including being able to clean churches thoroughly between services to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus. This is guidance, not instruction. We are acutely aware of the anguish of those not able to celebrate significant life events such as baptisms, weddings and funerals in their parish church in the current circumstances. The House of Bishops meets regularly to review its guidance which will be updated in line with changing circumstances, and published on the Church of England website.</p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-05-19T17:06:18.94Zmore like thismore than 2020-05-19T17:06:18.94Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
411
unstar this property label Biography information for Mr Barry Sheerman more like this
1196974
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-05-19more like thismore than 2020-05-19
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Churches: Coronavirus more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment the Church of England has made of the potential effect on public health of reopening churches. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Chatham and Aylesford more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Tracey Crouch more like this
unstar this property uin 902801 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-05-19more like thismore than 2020-05-19
star this property answer text <p>The House of Bishops meets regularly to review its own guidance to clergy in light of Government and public health advice.</p><p>On 5th May the House of Bishops issued new guidance, which can be seen at: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/house-bishops-backs-phased-approach-revising-access-church-buildings" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/house-bishops-backs-phased-approach-revising-access-church-buildings</a></p><p>While church buildings remain closed for public worship in line with Government advice, the Bishops agreed in principle to a phased approach to lifting restrictions, in time and in parallel with the Government's approach, with three broad stages. The first, effective immediately, allows clergy limited access to church buildings for activities such as streaming of services or private prayer, so long as the necessary hygiene and social distancing precautions are taken; the decision being made by individual clergy after discussion with their diocesan bishop. The second and third will see access for some rites and ceremonies, and for worship services with limited congregations meeting, when Government restrictions are eased to allow it.</p><p>Senior staff of the National Church Institutions have joined two of the Government’s ‘unlocking’ work streams, within the Department for Culture Media and Sport and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.</p><p> </p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-05-19T17:08:02.397Zmore like thismore than 2020-05-19T17:08:02.397Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
3950
unstar this property label Biography information for Tracey Crouch more like this
1199503
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-06-02more like thismore than 2020-06-02
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Churches: Coronavirus more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps he is taking to ensure that places of worship can open for (a) private prayer and (b) active worship in compliance with social distancing measures as covid-19 lockdown restrictions are lifted. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Bosworth more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Dr Luke Evans more like this
unstar this property uin 53638 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-06-09more like thismore than 2020-06-09
star this property answer text <p>The Government has announced that from the 15<sup>th</sup> June Church of England places of worship may be opened for individual prayer, alongside those of other faiths.</p><p>The Church of England has been developing advice, following information from Public Health England and other bodies, to enable its churches to be opened safely, and has been communicating that to dioceses for planning purposes. Not all buildings will be able to open for individual prayer on the 15<sup>th</sup> June, and bishops will be discussing with local clergy the needs of each parish. We expect a phased reopening that takes into account local circumstances and the available resources to enable it to be done safely.</p><p>The House of Bishops will be issuing revised advice once the Government has published its own guidance, further to the statement made by Lord Greenhalgh on Saturday 6<sup>th</sup> June.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-06-09T17:13:07.423Zmore like thismore than 2020-06-09T17:13:07.423Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4781
unstar this property label Biography information for Dr Luke Evans more like this
1217932
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-06-25more like thismore than 2020-06-25
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Churches: Coronavirus more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England has taken to provide financial support to single parish churches to avoid the redundancy, salary review and staff restructuring of employed musicians. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Streatham more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Bell Ribeiro-Addy more like this
unstar this property uin 65019 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-06-29more like thismore than 2020-06-29
star this property answer text <p>In March, the Church Commissioners and Archbishops’ Council announced over £75m of liquidity support to dioceses and cathedrals. This money included allowing dioceses in financial need to access up to three months forbearance on sums required for the national clergy payroll [or clergy stipends] for a limited period and paying monthly grants in full for 2020. In May the National Church Institutions announced a diocesan grant scheme supported by the Church Commissioners, which totalled up to £35m of sustainability funding.</p><p> </p><p>The Church Commissioners are unable to make grants directly to Parochial Church Councils and parish churches. Parishes employ staff such as musicians, assistants, and lay workers in a variety of ways. Where the Parochial Church Council directly employs an individual, the individual would have been eligible to be placed on furlough under the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS).</p><p> </p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-06-29T15:33:57.577Zmore like thismore than 2020-06-29T15:33:57.577Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4764
unstar this property label Biography information for Bell Ribeiro-Addy more like this
1217933
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-06-25more like thismore than 2020-06-25
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Churches: Coronavirus more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is taking to ensure that church musicians and choirs can safely resume their work as soon as possible under Government guidelines; and what assessment the Church has made of the implications for its policies of medical evidence on the transmission risk of choirs and congregations in church settings. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Streatham more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Bell Ribeiro-Addy more like this
unstar this property uin 65020 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-06-29more like thismore than 2020-06-29
star this property answer text <p>The Church of England is working with the Government and Public Health England to restore choirs and singing to services as soon as it is safe to do so. There has been limited research available for Public Health England to use to make an informed assessment about the safety of singing, and the choir of Salisbury Cathedral is currently participating in a study organised by Public Health England to enable it to make these decisions in an informed manner. We await further guidance from the Government and Public Health England once these trials have been concluded.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-06-29T15:31:38.05Zmore like thismore than 2020-06-29T15:31:38.05Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4764
unstar this property label Biography information for Bell Ribeiro-Addy more like this
1220927
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-07-06more like thismore than 2020-07-06
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Churches: Coronavirus more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what the timescale is for allowing churches to resume choir singing; and what guidance will be published for churches on resuming choir singing safely during the covid-19 outbreak. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Streatham more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Bell Ribeiro-Addy more like this
unstar this property uin 69712 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-07-10more like thismore than 2020-07-10
star this property answer text <p>The timescale for allowing churches to resume choral singing is a matter for Public Health England and the Government. The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government published updated guidance on the 9<sup>th</sup> July, which can be found here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-places-of-worship-during-the-pandemic-from-4-july/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-places-of-worship-during-the-pandemic-from-4-july" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-places-of-worship-during-the-pandemic-from-4-july/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-places-of-worship-during-the-pandemic-from-4-july</a></p><p> </p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-07-10T17:43:20.523Zmore like thismore than 2020-07-10T17:43:20.523Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property previous answer version
36022
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4764
unstar this property label Biography information for Bell Ribeiro-Addy more like this
1229098
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-08-28more like thismore than 2020-08-28
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept id 9 remove filter
unstar this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property hansard heading Weddings: Coronavirus more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps he is taking to ensure the accuracy of guidance issue to people planning weddings to (a) protect the finances of those people and minimise disruption to weddings. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Huddersfield more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Mr Barry Sheerman more like this
unstar this property uin 81536 more like this
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-09-14more like thismore than 2020-09-14
star this property answer text <p>Weddings are permitted in places of worship, providing certain public health criteria are met, including an advised maximum number of 30 people in attendance.</p><p>Up to date guidance for clergy on weddings and COVID-19 is provided on the Church of England website at: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2020-08/COVID%2019%20advice%20for%20Clergy%20Conducting%20Weddings%20v5.1.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2020-08/COVID%2019%20advice%20for%20Clergy%20Conducting%20Weddings%20v5.1.pdf</a></p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-09-14T16:11:52.887Zmore like thismore than 2020-09-14T16:11:52.887Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property previous answer version
46023
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
411
unstar this property label Biography information for Mr Barry Sheerman more like this