Oral Answers to Questions

Patricia Ferguson Excerpts

Thursday 16th January 2025 Commons Chamber

The hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, was asked—

[Patricia Ferguson (Glasgow West) (Lab)]

9. What steps the Church is taking to tackle racial injustice.

[The Second Church Estates Commissioner (Marsha De Cordova)]

In 2020 the House of Bishops created the archbishops’ anti-racism taskforce, followed by the archbishops’ commission for racial justice, to continue the work of tackling racial injustice in the Church and society. Last February, the General Synod voted unanimously to continue efforts to address racial injustice across the Church.

[Patricia Ferguson]

The Church’s work to recognise the importance of diversity and on proactive anti-racism is very welcome, but what steps is it taking to address its historical links to the slave trade?

[Marsha De Cordova]

The Church’s role in slavery is truly shameful. It is only right that it takes action to recognise its links to the transatlantic enslavement of Africans. No amount of money would ever be enough to repair the horrors of the slave trade, but the Church Commissioners’ project will set aside £100 million over nine years for a programme of impact, investment, research and engagement. It is hoped that this fund will continue to grow over time and will reinvest returns. Investments in grant funding will be directed towards communities that have been impacted by the enslavement of Africans.