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Church Commissioners
18 April 2024
Lead MP
Philip Hollobone
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 7
At a Glance
Philip Hollobone raised concerns about church commissioners in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Asks about steps taken by the Church to support families, relationships, and marriage since the establishment of the Archbishops’ Commission on Families and Households. Highlights the No. 1 action point from the commission: 'to maximise the protective effect of families'.
Andrew Selous
Con
South West Bedfordshire
Responds that the General Synod received the report enthusiastically and the Archbishops’ Council is incorporating its recommendations. Mentions meetings with Departments to strengthen family relationships, parenting, and marriage, and notes that St Andrew’s Church in Kettering exemplifies this work.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Asks why the Church of England does not recognise same-sex marriage despite same-sex couples being able to show love and be a good family. Emphasises that the Church should reconsider its stance.
Andrew Selous
Con
South West Bedfordshire
Explains that the General Synod is involved through the living in love and faith process and assures that the work is being taken forward to address these issues.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Asks if the Church will publish a statement on its position regarding amendments tabled to the Criminal Justice Bill, specifically concerning the decriminalisation of abortion before the Report stage.
Andrew Selous
Con
South West Bedfordshire
States that while the foetus is considered human life with potential to develop, there can be limited conditions under which abortion may be morally preferable. Supports new clauses 15 and 34, advocating against criminalisation of women but for prosecution of coercive actions or illegal abortions.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Welcomes support for new clauses 15 and 34 and expresses concern about lack of clarity on the criminality of terminating a pregnancy up to birth. Questions if the Church's stance will drive people towards Catholicism.
Andrew Selous
Con
South West Bedfordshire
Reiterates support for reducing viability age and protecting Down’s syndrome children, while supporting continued prosecution of medical practitioners who assist with abortions beyond legal limits.
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