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Church Commissioners
21 January 2021
Lead MP
Taiwo Owatemi
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Foreign AffairsAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Other Contributors: 5
At a Glance
Taiwo Owatemi raised concerns about church commissioners in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
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
Asked what steps the Anglican communion is taking to tackle the persecution of Christians, highlighting cases from Nigeria to Eritrea and Burkina Faso to India. She also asked for guidance and support provided to churches in the UK helping those who have fled persecution.
Taiwo Owatemi
Lab
Coventry North West
Asked what steps the Anglican communion is taking to tackle the persecution of Christians, highlighting cases from Nigeria to Eritrea and Burkina Faso to India. She also asked for guidance and support provided to churches in the UK helping those who have fled persecution.
Inquired about steps taken by the Church of England to promote regenerative agriculture on its landholdings, particularly in light of current pressures faced by farmers during coronavirus. He also questioned how the church is helping its tenant farmers achieve sustainable farming.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
Asked about steps taken to assess the efficacy on Church land of zero-till conservation agriculture in promoting increased soil health, reduced use of carbon, biodiversity gain and carbon sequestration.
Assessed the financial effect of the covid-19 outbreak on Church of England landholdings. He also questioned about the Archbishop’s stance on the destruction of unspoilt countryside and farmland at Chidswell in Dewsbury.
Asked what steps are being taken by the Church of England across the worldwide Anglican Communion to tackle persecution of Christians during the covid-19 pandemic. He also questioned about discussions with FCDO to ensure aid reaches all in need and is not abused.
Government Response
The Church speaks up on behalf of persecuted individuals and an international consortium has received £5.6 million from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for a project to equip parliamentarians and religious leaders in eight countries with technical assistance against these challenges. The Church Commissioners are undertaking a natural capital assessment for carbon outputs and ecosystem services, encouraging sustainable farming practices through tenancy precedents and ensuring soil health is maintained.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
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