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1601385
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2023-03-06more like thismore than 2023-03-06
answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
answering dept id 9 remove filter
answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
hansard heading Religious Freedom more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons remove filter
question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment the Church has made of freedom of religion and belief (a) globally and (b) in China and Hong Kong. more like this
tabling member constituency Strangford more like this
tabling member printed
Jim Shannon more like this
uin 158916 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2023-03-23more like thismore than 2023-03-23
answer text <p>I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given (<a href="https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2023-01-23/129832" target="_blank">129832</a>) on 31st January 2023.</p> more like this
answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
question first answered
less than 2023-03-23T10:38:55.427Zmore like thismore than 2023-03-23T10:38:55.427Z
answering member
1453
label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
tabling member
4131
label Biography information for Jim Shannon more like this
1601246
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2023-03-02more like thismore than 2023-03-02
answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
answering dept id 9 remove filter
answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
hansard heading Churches: Repairs and Maintenance more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons remove filter
question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of local authority grant funding available to parish churches to upgrade their facilities. more like this
tabling member constituency Broadland more like this
tabling member printed
Jerome Mayhew more like this
uin 903965 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2023-03-10more like thismore than 2023-03-10
answer text <p>It is the view of the National Church Institutions that Local Authority and Parish Council grant funding is not being made available to parish churches on a consistent basis, due to a lack of clarity in interpretation of existing law, specifically the Local Government Acts 1894, 1972 and the Localism Act 2011.</p><p>The Church Buildings Council, following legal advice, has concluded that the provisions of the Localism Act 2011 and the Local Government Act 1972 allow for all Local Authorities, including Parish Councils, to contribute to the upkeep of church property under certain circumstances – mainly related to the public benefit achieved. A briefing note is available here: <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofengland.org%2Fresources%2Fchurchcare%2Fadvice-and-guidance-church-buildings%2Flocal-authority-investment&amp;data=05%7C01%7Crichard.chapman%40churchofengland.org%7C7eee7cd2aa2b481e260d08db1f4c6e8e%7C95e2463b3ab047b49ac1587c77ee84f0%7C0%7C0%7C638138185383336194%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=fmxbF9gbaZMAeUeQkmISm4Ybe8iYwCaobhGdWJ34X%2Bw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Local Authority Investment | The Church of England</a></p><p>In Sir Bernard Taylor’s 2017 Review of the Sustainability of English Churches and Cathedrals, a recommendation was made that the law be clarified. See pp.31-32: <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fgovernment%2Fpublications%2Fthe-taylor-review-sustainability-of-english-churches-and-cathedrals&amp;data=05%7C01%7Crichard.chapman%40churchofengland.org%7C7eee7cd2aa2b481e260d08db1f4c6e8e%7C95e2463b3ab047b49ac1587c77ee84f0%7C0%7C0%7C638138185383336194%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=eGadhnaV8CpIeD5OTR9B3SYoaSS8hUz5rn8Z82pX%2B3s%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">The Taylor Review: Sustainability of English Churches and Cathedrals - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)</a></p><p>The Bishop of Bristol is bringing amendments to the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill in the House of Lords to clarify the law. She has the support of heritage bodies and the National Association of Local Councils. The Bishop’s amendments would enable parish churches to be treated the same as other faith and community buildings, which can apply for small grants to improve public access, upgrade facilities such as kitchens or toilets, or enable repairs of guttering, stonework or windows.</p>
answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
question first answered
less than 2023-03-10T15:44:18.593Zmore like thismore than 2023-03-10T15:44:18.593Z
answering member
1453
label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
tabling member
4739
label Biography information for Jerome Mayhew more like this
1599932
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2023-02-28more like thismore than 2023-02-28
answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
answering dept id 9 remove filter
answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
hansard heading Churches: Rural Areas more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons remove filter
question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, with reference to the Office for National Statistics classifications for land use in rural and urban areas, how many and what proportion of parishes are classified as rural; and how many and what proportion of newly ordained stipendiary curates have commenced curacy training in a parish classified as rural in each of the last five years. more like this
tabling member constituency Exeter more like this
tabling member printed
Mr Ben Bradshaw more like this
uin 155005 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2023-03-10more like thismore than 2023-03-10
answer text <p>The most up to date Office of National Statistics dataset relating to urban and rural communities is expected to be published in the summer. Until this has been mapped and applied to the data held by the National Church Institutions (NCIs), it is not possible to provide the information requested.</p><p>The NCIs do not request statistical information about stipendiary curates as part of their routine annual survey of parishes. The most recent data available on the number of stipendiary curates can be found in the one off special project published in 2015 called 'Released for mission, growing the rural church', which is available here: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/news-and-media/news-and-statements/released-mission-growing-rural-church" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/news-and-media/news-and-statements/released-mission-growing-rural-church</a></p><p>For more than a decade the Church Commissioners have financially supported dioceses to increase the number of ordinands they can afford to send for training. Funding has recently been allocated to dioceses through the Ministry Division of the NCIs to ensure ordinands can be supported in posts of first responsibility. This month the Church Commissioners announced a further grant (through the Strategic Mission &amp; Ministry Investment Board of the Archbishops’ Council) of £5.6 million to continue to support curates as they move into their next posts. This will benefit both urban and rural parishes. More information can be found here: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/media-and-news/press-releases/clergy-posts-funded-through-ps56-million-national-church-england" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/media-and-news/press-releases/clergy-posts-funded-through-ps56-million-national-church-england</a></p>
answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
question first answered
less than 2023-03-10T15:47:38.887Zmore like thismore than 2023-03-10T15:47:38.887Z
answering member
1453
label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
tabling member
230
label Biography information for Mr Ben Bradshaw more like this
1599267
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2023-02-27more like thismore than 2023-02-27
answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
answering dept id 9 remove filter
answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
hansard heading Cemeteries: Vandalism more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons remove filter
question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what discussions he has had with representatives of the arch-diocese of Jerusalem on damage to graves at the Protestant Cemetery on Mount Zion in January 2023; and what steps he plans to take to (a) help promote religious acceptance and harmony in the UK and (b) prevent vandalism at cemeteries. more like this
tabling member constituency Strangford more like this
tabling member printed
Jim Shannon more like this
uin 153753 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2023-03-10more like thismore than 2023-03-10
answer text <p>The escalating violence in Jerusalem and the occupied Palestinian territories is of deep concern. Representatives of the Church continue to work closely with the Department of Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, the British Consulate in Jerusalem, the Heads of Churches in Jerusalem and other faith leaders in the city. The Archbishop of Canterbury remains in close contact with the Archbishop of the Diocese of Jerusalem, the Rt Revd Hosam Naoum, and the Bishop of Southwark regularly visits the region with Roman Catholic bishops as part of the Holy Land Coordination Group.</p><p>Following the attacks, the Archbishop of Canterbury issued a statement that read, “The desecration of Christian graves in Jerusalem is a blasphemous act. I join the Chief Rabbi [Ephraim Mirvis] and religious leaders in Jerusalem in condemning it and hope those responsible will be brought swiftly to justice. As we continue to pray for peace in the Holy Land, I stand with Archbishop Hosam Naoum and other Jerusalem church leaders in calling for respect, protection, equality and justice for its Christian community – who are the Living Stones of the church.”</p><p>Interviewed immediately after the attacks Archbishop Naoum spoke about the increasing use of exclusion, segregation, and intolerance alongside increasing attacks on the holy sites.</p><p>The Heads of Churches in Jerusalem have urged all sides to &quot;actively reaffirm their commitment to a promotion of an environment of safety, mutual respect and religious tolerance in the Holy Land.&quot; They also called for assurances to be given to the Christian community in Jerusalem following the increasing levels of extremist threats against them. At a recent meeting with the Jordanian Parliament Committee of External Affairs in Amman, the Heads of Churches raised concerns about the future of a continued presence of Christians, specifically Arabic Christians, in Jordan, Jerusalem and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.</p><p>The statement by the Anglican Archbishop of Jerusalem, the Rt Revd Hosam Naoum, can be read here: <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fj-diocese.org%2Fwordpress%2F2023%2F01%2F04%2Fstatement-on-the-recent-vandalism-and-desecration-of-the-protestant-cemetery-on-mt-zion-4-january-2023%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7Crichard.chapman%40churchofengland.org%7C7eee7cd2aa2b481e260d08db1f4c6e8e%7C95e2463b3ab047b49ac1587c77ee84f0%7C0%7C0%7C638138185383336194%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=WdBwGrAWNln1ikEfZECTdl%2FmbmmsOhYxtXygljd%2BrSk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://j-diocese.org/wordpress/2023/01/04/statement-on-the-recent-vandalism-and-desecration-of-the-protestant-cemetery-on-mt-zion-4-january-2023/</a><br> <br> The statements of the Patriarchs and Head of all Churches in Jerusalem can be read here: <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fj-diocese.org%2Fwordpress%2F2023%2F01%2F05%2Fhead-of-churches-statement-on-the-recent-vandalism-desecration-of-the-protestant-cemetery-on-mt-zion%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7Crichard.chapman%40churchofengland.org%7C7eee7cd2aa2b481e260d08db1f4c6e8e%7C95e2463b3ab047b49ac1587c77ee84f0%7C0%7C0%7C638138185383336194%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=r1cKj%2Bx0ZEGj9gyZ34sc0dxE6wfl4K%2B3u2tqylO4QLw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://j-diocese.org/wordpress/2023/01/05/head-of-churches-statement-on-the-recent-vandalism-desecration-of-the-protestant-cemetery-on-mt-zion/</a></p><p>The statement of the World Council of Churches can be read here: <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.oikoumene.org%2Fresources%2Fdocuments%2Fwcc-statement-on-desecration-of-historic-protestant-cemetery-in-jerusalem&amp;data=05%7C01%7Crichard.chapman%40churchofengland.org%7C7eee7cd2aa2b481e260d08db1f4c6e8e%7C95e2463b3ab047b49ac1587c77ee84f0%7C0%7C0%7C638138185383336194%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=htYbQCCPE3poMNX4mtrZwE%2FMiUxkG%2Bv362R5aefrDKw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.oikoumene.org/resources/documents/wcc-statement-on-desecration-of-historic-protestant-cemetery-in-jerusalem</a></p><p> </p>
answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
question first answered
less than 2023-03-10T15:51:16.58Zmore like thismore than 2023-03-10T15:51:16.58Z
answering member
1453
label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
tabling member
4131
label Biography information for Jim Shannon more like this
1585736
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2023-02-09more like thismore than 2023-02-09
answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
answering dept id 9 remove filter
answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
hansard heading Church of England: LGBT+ People more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons remove filter
question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, in the context of the Church of England’s Living in Love and Faith process and the forthcoming General Synod, what assessment the Commissioners have made of the potential impact of the Church of England's exemptions from the Equality Act 2010 on LGBT+ people. more like this
tabling member constituency Carshalton and Wallington more like this
tabling member printed
Elliot Colburn more like this
uin 143882 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2023-02-22more like thismore than 2023-02-22
answer text <p>The National Church Institutions have made no such assessment. The exceptions in the Equality Act are for all religious organisations rather than for the Church of England specifically. It is unlikely that any of the exceptions will be engaged by Living in Love and Faith and therefore no assessment has been carried out.</p> more like this
answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
question first answered
less than 2023-02-22T12:06:54.45Zmore like thismore than 2023-02-22T12:06:54.45Z
answering member
1453
label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
tabling member
4775
label Biography information for Elliot Colburn more like this
1585226
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2023-02-08more like thismore than 2023-02-08
answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
answering dept id 9 remove filter
answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
hansard heading Church of England: Food Banks more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons remove filter
question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, if he will hold discussions with the Church of England on taking steps to help increase foodbank donations. more like this
tabling member constituency Strangford more like this
tabling member printed
Jim Shannon more like this
uin 142703 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2023-03-01more like thismore than 2023-03-01
answer text <p>A debate about the pressures on the cost of living was held in the General Synod at its February 2023 sessions. Renewed calls and commitments were made there to provide continuing support for the most vulnerable, through parish-based local community partnerships with charities and food bank providers</p><p><br>The Trussell Trust report that their network of food banks receives a significant proportion of their donations from churches and despite a fall during the pandemic when church congregations were not meeting, donations have increased again over the last year, despite the increasing costs that churches and congregants face themselves. <br> <br>Ensuring that donations keep match with demand is crucial for helping food banks to support everyone who needs them, though decreasing overall demand in the longer term is a shared goal of the Church, providers and Government</p><p> </p> more like this
answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
question first answered
less than 2023-03-01T11:02:15.747Zmore like thismore than 2023-03-01T11:02:15.747Z
answering member
1453
label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
tabling member
4131
label Biography information for Jim Shannon more like this
1584297
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2023-02-06more like thismore than 2023-02-06
answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
answering dept id 9 remove filter
answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
hansard heading Church of England: Antisemitism more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons remove filter
question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, whether he has had recent discussions with the Church of England on tackling anti-Semitism in (a) theological training colleges, (b) ordained clergy and (c) Church of England parishes. more like this
tabling member constituency The Wrekin more like this
tabling member printed
Mark Pritchard more like this
uin 140073 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2023-02-14more like thismore than 2023-02-14
answer text <p>The key resource that the National Church Institutions commend to all clergy, dioceses and parishes is God’s Unfailing Word: Theological and Practical Perspectives on Christian-Jewish Relations, produced by the Faith and Order Commission of the Church of England in 2019. This addresses the need to combat antisemitism in the Church and affirms the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism. Teaching and training of ordinands and clergy in Theological Colleges and Dioceses includes much of this material, and there are regular resources and seminars for Diocesan Inter Faith Advisers equipping them in this area.</p> more like this
answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
question first answered
less than 2023-02-14T17:47:22.537Zmore like thismore than 2023-02-14T17:47:22.537Z
answering member
1453
label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
tabling member
1576
label Biography information for Mark Pritchard more like this
1584309
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2023-02-06more like thismore than 2023-02-06
answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
answering dept id 9 remove filter
answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
hansard heading Churches: Festivals and Special Occasions more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons remove filter
question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church is taking to support parish churches in holding events for (a) families and (b) other individuals. more like this
tabling member constituency Strangford more like this
tabling member printed
Jim Shannon more like this
uin 140147 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2023-02-14more like thismore than 2023-02-14
answer text <p>A vibrant children’s and youth ministry is often a key component of church growth and creates intergenerational support for new parents and caregivers from experienced parents, grandparents and youth workers. Most Church of England parishes provide activities to engage with families and young people. Examples include breakfast, lunch and holiday clubs, youth clubs, messy church and events in partnership with local authorities, other churches and faith communities. Most dioceses have specialist children, youth or families advisers. More information and resources can be found on the Church of England website here: <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofengland.org%2Fabout%2Fchildren-and-young-people%2Four-work-children-and-young-people&amp;data=05%7C01%7Crichard.chapman%40churchofengland.org%7C38c365b3cc9946db7f6b08db0df14761%7C95e2463b3ab047b49ac1587c77ee84f0%7C0%7C0%7C638119102153110797%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=N%2BmbjAc6UsTc0C5j5O74A2L8X%2BRsc7JYcLR7e3ycvz4%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Our work with children and young people | The Church of England</a></p><p>The Archbishops’ Commission on Families and Households will soon be publishing a report looking at the role of the family in today’s society. Details of the Commission are here: <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofengland.org%2Fabout%2Farchbishops-commissions%2Ffamilies-and-households-commission&amp;data=05%7C01%7Crichard.chapman%40churchofengland.org%7C38c365b3cc9946db7f6b08db0df14761%7C95e2463b3ab047b49ac1587c77ee84f0%7C0%7C0%7C638119102153110797%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=kEHHjqOzGZDpJYym6PLIrXFP3ExNcc8xSZXK0QFvzP8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Families and Households Commission | The Church of England</a> .</p>
answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
question first answered
less than 2023-02-14T17:48:31.49Zmore like thismore than 2023-02-14T17:48:31.49Z
answering member
1453
label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
tabling member
4131
label Biography information for Jim Shannon more like this
1583077
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2023-02-01more like thismore than 2023-02-01
answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
answering dept id 9 remove filter
answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
hansard heading Church of England more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons remove filter
question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what meetings he has held in his capacity as Second Church Estates Commissioner with (a) evangelical groups and (b) groups representing other traditions in the Church of England in the last 12 months. more like this
tabling member constituency Exeter more like this
tabling member printed
Mr Ben Bradshaw more like this
uin 137720 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2023-02-14more like thismore than 2023-02-14
answer text <p>In the twelve month period since February 2022 I have met with representatives of the groups listed below. This is in addition to the large number of regular meetings I have held with the National Church Institutions boards, committees and officials, and with individual bishops, Government ministers, officials, and Members of Parliament</p><p><br>2022<br>1 March: Evangelical Alliance Freedom of Religious Belief Conference<br>31 March: Meeting with Anglican Communion Primates in Parliament<br>5 July: Chaired the annual Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast. More details at: <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.christiansinparliament.org.uk%2Fprayer-breakfast%2F2022-programme%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7Crichard.chapman%40churchofengland.org%7C38c365b3cc9946db7f6b08db0df14761%7C95e2463b3ab047b49ac1587c77ee84f0%7C0%7C0%7C638119102153110797%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=ChhliJdkQcRuTT6sf54m6aZlTFpdxQRKJLqxR8GKdz8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">2022 Programme – Christians in Parliament</a><br>5 July: Meeting with representative of Anna Chaplaincy<br>5 July: Attended No.10 Downing Street reception on Freedom of Religion &amp; Belief <br>3 August: Attended the Lambeth Day of The Lambeth Conference<br>7 November: Meeting with representatives of the CofE Evangelical Council<br>19 December: Meeting with Bishop Graham Tomlin, Centre for Cultural Witness<br> <br>2023<br>18 January: Attended the launch of the Open Doors Watch List<br> 30 January: Attended meeting between Archbishop of Canterbury and MPs/Peers supportive of same-sex marriage in the Church of England <br>8 February: Attended meeting of the Church of England General Synod</p>
answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
question first answered
less than 2023-02-14T17:46:17.253Zmore like thismore than 2023-02-14T17:46:17.253Z
answering member
1453
label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
tabling member
230
label Biography information for Mr Ben Bradshaw more like this
1579490
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2023-01-23more like thismore than 2023-01-23
answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
answering dept id 9 remove filter
answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
answering dept sort name Church Commissioners more like this
hansard heading Churches: Rural Areas more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons remove filter
question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what discussions he has had with relevant funding bodies on funding for smaller churches, including those in rural villages. more like this
tabling member constituency Strangford more like this
tabling member printed
Jim Shannon more like this
uin 129780 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2023-01-31more like thismore than 2023-01-31
answer text <p>Officials from the National Church Institutions are seeking a meeting with the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to discuss the 2017 independent Taylor report on the sustainability of Church Buildings. Despite being commissioned by the Government, the Government has yet to respond.</p><p>The Church Commissioners are providing £11million in funding for 2023-25 to support a new “Buildings for Mission” programme to provide support, through dioceses, to local parishes with the challenges they face in maintaining their church buildings.</p><p>National grant funding is no longer ring-fenced for religious buildings despite the largest number of listed buildings in the country being from that classification. While grant funding is also available from national and local charities, this can only go so far. The Church of England is grateful to the great many congregations and local philanthropists who continue, despite current financial difficulties, to support the work of the Church.</p><p>Recent reports from the National Churches Trust have shown that every £1 invested in a church building returns £16 to the community in other services and facilities. If the Church can spend less time on repairing buildings, an even greater focus could be given to supporting the communities it serves. The evidence for this can be found in the 2021 House of Good report, available at: <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nationalchurchestrust.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2FGADS1597%2520%25E2%2580%2593%2520NCT%2520House%2520of%2520Good%25202021%2520V7%2520SINGLE-PAGES.pdf&amp;data=05%7C01%7Crichard.chapman%40churchofengland.org%7C552d0047f19347a2cec208daffc427fe%7C95e2463b3ab047b49ac1587c77ee84f0%7C0%7C0%7C638103516281887456%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=0ILjNDfV%2FcwAc%2FlvI5qVt001QAPNL1wA9aDaMGcdfHM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">House of Good 2021</a></p><p> </p>
answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
question first answered
less than 2023-01-31T16:37:57.623Zmore like thismore than 2023-01-31T16:37:57.623Z
answering member
1453
label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
tabling member
4131
label Biography information for Jim Shannon more like this