{ "format" : "linked-data-api", "version" : "0.2", "result" : {"_about" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?max-AnswerDate=2018-09-06&max-ddpCreated=2017-10-24T21%3A41%3A04.007Z&max-ddpModified.=2018-03-08T10%3A25%3A05.426Z&min-ddpCreated=2017-03-20T23%3A51%3A47.530Z&answeringDeptSortName=Church+Commissioners", "definition" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/meta/answeredquestions.text?max-AnswerDate=2018-09-06&max-ddpCreated=2017-10-24T21%3A41%3A04.007Z&max-ddpModified.=2018-03-08T10%3A25%3A05.426Z&min-ddpCreated=2017-03-20T23%3A51%3A47.530Z&answeringDeptSortName=Church+Commissioners", "extendedMetadataVersion" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?max-AnswerDate=2018-09-06&max-ddpCreated=2017-10-24T21%3A41%3A04.007Z&max-ddpModified.=2018-03-08T10%3A25%3A05.426Z&min-ddpCreated=2017-03-20T23%3A51%3A47.530Z&answeringDeptSortName=Church+Commissioners&_metadata=all", "first" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?_page=0&max-AnswerDate=2018-09-06&max-ddpCreated=2017-10-24T21%3A41%3A04.007Z&max-ddpModified.=2018-03-08T10%3A25%3A05.426Z&min-ddpCreated=2017-03-20T23%3A51%3A47.530Z&answeringDeptSortName=Church+Commissioners", "hasPart" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?max-AnswerDate=2018-09-06&max-ddpCreated=2017-10-24T21%3A41%3A04.007Z&max-ddpModified.=2018-03-08T10%3A25%3A05.426Z&min-ddpCreated=2017-03-20T23%3A51%3A47.530Z&answeringDeptSortName=Church+Commissioners", "isPartOf" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?max-AnswerDate=2018-09-06&max-ddpCreated=2017-10-24T21%3A41%3A04.007Z&max-ddpModified.=2018-03-08T10%3A25%3A05.426Z&min-ddpCreated=2017-03-20T23%3A51%3A47.530Z&answeringDeptSortName=Church+Commissioners", "items" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/776837", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/776837/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The decision to mark the 400th<\/sup> anniversary of the Five Articles of Perth is not a matter for the Church of England, being as they were specific to the Crown and the Church of Scotland. This decision is a matter for the Church of Scotland and the Scottish Episcopal Church.<\/p>

<\/p>

Should they wish to mark this anniversary, it would be their decision as to whether to invite the Church of England to participate.<\/p>

<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/312", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Meriden"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Dame Caroline Spelman"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2017-11-06", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2017-11-06T16:08:29.543Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "9"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2017-10-24", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Anniversaries: Scotland"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment the Church of England has made of whether to mark the 400th anniversary of imposition of the Five Articles of Perth by James I of England and VI of Scotland on the Church of Scotland.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/473", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Mark Hendrick"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Preston"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Mark Hendrick"} ], "uin" : "109298"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/765192", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/765192/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The Communique that followed the January 2016 meeting of the Primates of the Anglican Communion stated that \u201cthe Primates condemned homophobic prejudice and violence and resolved to work together to offer pastoral care and loving service irrespective of sexual orientation. This conviction arises out of our discipleship of Jesus Christ. The Primates reaffirmed their rejection of criminal sanctions against same-sex attracted people."<\/p>

In the House of Lords bishops have recently raised concerns about persecution and detention of LGBT citizens in Chechnya and have supported the need to appoint an LGBT advocate at the UN.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/312", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Meriden"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Dame Caroline Spelman"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2017-10-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2017-10-10T16:03:35.817Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "9"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2017-10-06", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Church of England: LGBT People"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England has taken to prevent the imposition of (a) the death penalty and (b) other criminal sanctions on LGBT people on account of their sexuality.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/230", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Ben Bradshaw"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Exeter"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Ben Bradshaw"} ], "uin" : "105618"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/765193", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/765193/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

At their meeting in Canterbury in October 2017 the Anglican Primates reaffirmed their commitment to the statement made in 2016, specifically the Communion\u2019s sorrow for previous failures to support LGBTI people and its condemnation of homophobic prejudice and violence. The full statement can be read here: http://www.anglicancommunion.org/media/311326/communiqu%C3%A9-primates-meeting-2017.pdf<\/a>
The Primates also welcomed news that the Church of England has embarked on a major study of the cultural, scientific, scriptural and theological aspects of human sexuality.<\/p>

<\/p>

In 2014 the Church started working closely with a variety of external organisations to develop a resource for its schools called \u2018Valuing all God\u2019s Children\u2019, to combat homophobic bullying. The Education Division of the Church of England is currently updating this resource to include support for Trans and Bi students. The updated version of \u2018Valuing All God\u2019s Children\u2019 should be published later this year. At the July General Synod a motion was passed calling for a ban on the practice of Conversion Therapy aimed at altering sexual orientation.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/312", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Meriden"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Dame Caroline Spelman"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2017-10-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2017-10-10T16:05:49.887Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "9"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2017-10-06", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Church of England: LGBT People"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England has taken as a result of the Anglican Primates' statement of January 2016 on homophobic prejudice and violence and the rejection of criminal sanctions against same-sex attracted people.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/230", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Ben Bradshaw"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Exeter"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Ben Bradshaw"} ], "uin" : "105619"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/758629", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/758629/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

There is no central policy on charging for entry at Church of England churches and cathedrals. It is for the cathedral chapters and church incumbents to decide how best to meet their financial obligations, such as running costs and repairs, and in the case of the most popular, to manage their visitor numbers.<\/p>

<\/p>

However, only nine out of the 42 Church of England cathedrals, and very few churches, charge for entry. All churches and cathedrals which charge for entry give free access to those attending services and for private prayer, and some give free entry on Sundays and at other times. Many also run a full programme of outreach, education programmes and events for children and families which are accessible at little or no cost.<\/p>

<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/312", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Meriden"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Dame Caroline Spelman"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2017-09-13", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2017-09-13T10:42:15.223Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "9"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2017-09-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Churches: Fees and Charges"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment she has made of the effect of admission costs for cathedrals and abbeys in England on the ability of UK families to visit such places.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4006", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Hendon"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Dr Matthew Offord"} ], "uin" : "9310"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/758630", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/758630/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

Church of England dioceses are marking the 500th<\/sup> Anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation in Europe and parishes are being encourage to commemorate the anniversary in a variety of ways. For example in my own parish of Knowle, a sermon series will be held. Information on some of the main events being run across the Church can be seen here: https://www.churchofengland.org/about-us/work-other-churches/reformation-anniversary.aspx<\/a><\/p>

At Westminster Abbey on 31st<\/sup> October at noon there will be a service to mark the Anniversary led by the Dean of Westminster, with an Address given by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Among those attending will be representatives of Lutheran churches in the United Kingdom.<\/p>

Blackburn Diocese is planning two large scale events. The first is to be hosted by the local Churches Together network at Blackburn Cathedral on Thursday 19th<\/sup> October at 2pm. More information is at: https://www.blackburn.anglican.org/events/67/reformation-500-service-at-cathedral<\/a> The Diocese is also holding a discussion evening with the Bishop of Burnley at Whalley Abbey on Monday 30th<\/sup> October, 7pm.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/312", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Meriden"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Dame Caroline Spelman"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2017-10-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2017-10-09T14:01:27.84Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "9"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2017-09-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Martin Luther"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what events and activities the Diocese of Blackburn is undertaking to mark the Quincentenary of the nailing of Ninety-five Theses by Martin Luther on the door of All Saints' Church, Wittenberg, on 31 October 1517.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/473", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Mark Hendrick"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Preston"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Mark Hendrick"} ], "uin" : "9589"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/754005", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/754005/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The parish of Scrooby is currently in interregnum. Having spoken with the churchwarden I understand that the Parish Council, congregation and community have taken the decision to improve the facilities in the nearby village hall, rather than at St Wilfrid\u2019s. The decision was in part a consequence of the difficulty of finding a practical and cost effective way to connect the church with the local sewerage network. The circumstances of this particular case also highlight the wider issue of the capacity of volunteers to take on infrastructure projects in complex historic buildings, alongside their other voluntary duties, in a church where there is a vacancy.<\/p>

The Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham is committed to working with parishes to help them deliver new facilities, including toilets, to enable wider use of church buildings. Further support and advice on building projects is available from the Church Buildings Council of the Church of England: http://www.churchcare.co.uk/<\/a><\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/312", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Meriden"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Dame Caroline Spelman"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2017-09-05", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2017-09-05T15:34:21.4Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "9"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2017-07-19", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Churches: Nottinghamshire"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what progress has been made on the provision of toilets at St Wilfrid's Church, Scrooby, Nottinghamshire.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1387", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Mann"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Bassetlaw"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "John Mann"} ], "uin" : "6282"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/748474", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/748474/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

Bat roosting remains a significant and costly issue for around 100 churches, where large roosts mean constant cleaning, damage to significant artefacts and delays to repair work, all of which reduce the use of the building by the congregation and community. Our experience is that bat boxes are not always the best solution, since there is no guarantee that the bats will use them.<\/p>

The Church of England has recently secured Heritage Lottery funding as part of a partnership led by Natural England for a project to mitigate the impact of bats in churches. This work will include looking at ways that bats can be moved to more suitable locations when the roost has an adverse effect on the congregation. More details of the project can be found at: http://www.batsandchurches.org.uk/<\/a><\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/312", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Meriden"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Dame Caroline Spelman"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2017-07-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2017-07-10T11:38:20.72Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "9"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2017-07-05", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Churches: Bats"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what discussions the Commissioners have had with Church of England representatives on encouraging clergy to install bat boxes to provide alternative accommodation for these mammals.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4006", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Hendon"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Dr Matthew Offord"} ], "uin" : "3275"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/748475", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/748475/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

\u2018<\/strong>Champing\u2019, or overnight camping in a church, is a new form of holiday pioneered by the Churches Conservation Trust. It currently uses only closed churches, 12 of which across the UK are available for visitors to stay the night in, between April and September. The Church of England is however working in partnership with the Churches Conservation Trust to bring the Champing model into operation for open churches, to offer high end accommodation that enables congregations to generate income, whilst also maintaining space for worship and community use.<\/p>

The Church of England has developed a model for a high quality and revisable timber structure, which can be placed in open churches to provide a lettable insulated space, which in turn can generate income needed to maintain the building, thereby releasing money for mission. Designed to support rural parishes this model is being piloted in the Diocese of Hereford thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and AllChurches Trust. More information is at: http://www.champing.co.uk/<\/a><\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/312", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Meriden"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Dame Caroline Spelman"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2017-07-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2017-07-10T11:38:57.62Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "9"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2017-07-05", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Churches: Camping Sites"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what discussions the Commissioners have had with Church of England representatives on expanding the availability of champing in England's churches.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4006", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Hendon"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Dr Matthew Offord"} ], "uin" : "3276"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/722426", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/722426/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

At parish and diocesan level the Church is closely involved in providing support to homeless people through night shelters and other activities, and raising funds and awareness. Recently in the House of Lords bishops supported the Homelessness Reduction Bill.<\/p>

In the Torbay area the Vicar on the Streets initiative undertaken by Revd Gary Deighton of St George's Church, Goodrington, and the Winter Night Shelter run by local churches have both made a real difference to the issues of homelessness. The clergy and parishioners of Goodrington and Torbay have raised nearly five thousand pounds over the period of Lent to support the Shekinah Mission, which works across Devon to provide a safe space for people to develop their skills, regain their self-worth and go on to live independent and fulfilling lives.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/312", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Meriden"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Dame Caroline Spelman"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2017-04-24", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2017-04-24T10:03:04.493Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "9"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2017-04-19", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Homelessness"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is taking to support local projects tackling homelessness.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4451", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Kevin Foster"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Torbay"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Kevin Foster"} ], "uin" : "71313"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/715574", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/715574/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

St Botolph\u2019s in Longthorpe is a 700 year old church. The interior is by no means original, having been altered and changed over the centuries. All parishes that wish to alter their church interiors are required to seek advice and permission from a variety of bodies before a reordering can take place. Parishes undertaking such large scale reordering schemes do not therefore do so lightly. The usual reasons are that the interior no longer serves the needs of the parish and worshiping community. This appears to have been the case at St Botolph\u2019s where members of the congregation need wheelchair access.<\/p>

The Church Buildings Council of the Church of England were asked to advise the local Diocesan Advisory Committee in Peterborough when the scheme was initially proposed in 2015 and were supportive of the change. The alterations proposed make reasonable adjustments to the building, which will facilitate the smoother operation of services, funerals and weddings. They will also enable the priest to face the congregation during services, provide wheelchair access and offer a larger children\u2019s area.<\/p>

When considering potential alterations, the Church and the Diocesan Consistory Courts must balance the needs of the congregation and parish against any architectural merit the existing furniture or layout may have. When a reordering is done well it often brings with it very positive opportunities for community and congregation to offer new facilities, events and activities, which ultimately bring the Church back to its original purpose to be a space for all in the local community.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/312", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Meriden"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Dame Caroline Spelman"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2017-04-18", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2017-04-18T12:17:27.573Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "9"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Church Commissioners"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2017-03-30", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Churches: Peterborough"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what discussions she has had with the Diocese of Peterborough on the proposals for alterations to St Botolph's Church in Longthorpe, Peterborough; and if she will make a statement.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1551", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Jackson of Peterborough"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Peterborough"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Stewart Jackson"} ], "uin" : "70163"} ], "itemsPerPage" : 10, "next" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?_page=1&max-AnswerDate=2018-09-06&max-ddpCreated=2017-10-24T21%3A41%3A04.007Z&max-ddpModified.=2018-03-08T10%3A25%3A05.426Z&min-ddpCreated=2017-03-20T23%3A51%3A47.530Z&answeringDeptSortName=Church+Commissioners", "page" : 0, "startIndex" : 1, "totalResults" : 14, "type" : ["http://purl.org/linked-data/api/vocab#ListEndpoint", "http://purl.org/linked-data/api/vocab#Page"]} }