Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Community Relations: Impact of Church Leaders

Thursday 16 October 2025 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Jessica Toale commended local churches in Bournemouth for their support of diverse and minority communities.
  • Tom Rutland mentioned antisemitic and Islamophobic attacks and noted the Church of England's response through its interfaith adviser.
  • Josh Babarinde highlighted the work of Rev. David Harrigan at St Elisabeth's church in Eastbourne, which has been recognized for best practices in partnering with food banks.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jessica Toale Lab Bournemouth West
Asylum & Refugees Community Security Religion & Faith
Context

Tensions rose over the summer due to protests about asylum seekers in Bournemouth. Local churches, particularly Lansdowne Church and Gateway Church, have been involved in welcoming asylum seekers.

Question

Bournemouth has been made richer by its diversity and the communities that have chosen to make it their home, yet tensions rose over the summer due to protests about asylum seekers. I pay tribute to our local churches, particularly Lansdowne church and Gateway church, for the vital work they do to welcome asylum seekers and build community connection between our many communities. How can we do more to support those churches and the vital work they do?

Answer from Marsha De Cordova

I recognise and commend the work of all churches that are standing up for minority communities, refugees and those seeking asylum. Our diversity is our strength, and our strength as a Church lies in supporting every member of our communities, including those who face barriers, persecution or prejudice. I also want to recognise my hon. Friend’s leadership in the work she is doing to support her local community, as well as her local churches. It is so important that our churches work across faiths with all of our communities to enhance community cohesion.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Provided general recognition and commendation without specific commitments or additional support details

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Q2 Tom Rutland Lab East Worthing and Shoreham
Community Security Religion & Faith
Context

Manchester experienced an antisemitic attack on a synagogue, followed by an Islamophobic attack at a mosque in Sussex. These incidents raised concerns about the role of religious leaders in promoting community unity.

Question

Over the recess, we witnessed the horrific antisemitic attack on one of Manchester’s synagogues and then, just days later, an Islamophobic attack on one of our Sussex mosques. It is in these difficult and worrying times that religious leaders can continue to play an important role in bringing communities together. What support can the Church provide to its leaders to continue to work across communities and across faiths, and to foster the supportive, inclusive and diverse tolerant communities that we are all proud to represent in this place?

Answer from Marsha De Cordova

My thoughts and prayers are with those communities affected by the tragic attack at Heaton Park synagogue, as well as that at the mosque in Sussex. The Church of England responded by offering direct support through its Manchester interfaith adviser, who worked closely with the authorities and is known and respected in the local community. The Church Urban Fund, including the near neighbours programme, has played a vital role in strengthening community relations, as does the Church’s presence and engagement initiative.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details on additional support for religious leaders beyond mentioning existing initiatives like interfaith advisers and programs

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Q3 Josh Babarinde Lib Dem Eastbourne
Community Security Religion & Faith
Context

Rev. David Harrigan at St Elizabeth's Church in Eastbourne has pioneered a partnership with the local food bank, which is recognized as an example of best practice by the Trussell Trust.

Question

Will the hon. Lady recognise the awesomeness of the Rev. David Harrigan at St Elisabeth’s church in Eastbourne? Working with the food bank, he has pioneered a partnership that has been featured by the Trussell Trust as an example of best practice for a relationship between a church leader and a food bank. Will the hon. Lady meet Rev. David and me to discuss the Church Commissioners’ plans for the land next to St Elisabeth’s church, to ensure that it is used for community benefit?

Answer from Marsha De Cordova

I am always happy to meet hon. Members about any issue they wish to raise. I pay tribute to the hon. Gentleman’s church, which is working in partnership with the food bank. There are many such examples, including at St Mark’s church in my constituency. We all know the role that our churches play in our communities to provide that social action support. I am very happy to meet the hon. Gentleman.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Acknowledged willingness to meet but did not commit to specific meeting or discussion on land use for community benefit

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