Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Extremism

Thursday 16 April 2026 · 2 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Church is concerned about the growth of extremism, including Christian nationalism, and has established a working group to promote unity and support parishes with resources to counter extremism.
  • The Church has established a working group to provide support for bishops and senior clergy with relevant experience to discuss and reflect on the persecution of Christians abroad.
  • The working group aims to offer guidance and support to parishes and church leaders facing challenges from extremism and persecution.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Will Forster Lib Dem Woking
Community Security Religion & Faith
Context

The question arises from concerns about the growth of various forms of extremism affecting religious groups, particularly Christians.

Question

What steps is the Church taking to help protect Christian communities from extremism?

Answer from Marsha de Cordova

The Church is concerned about the growth of extremism, including Christian nationalism, and bishops have established a working group to promote unity and support parishes with theological, practical and pastoral resources to counter extremism locally.

Partly answered

How: The Issue Is Being Taken Seriously, Working [K Group Established

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Q2 Will Forster Lib Dem Woking
Religion & Faith
Context

Church leaders in Woking have raised concerns about the persecution faced by Christians overseas, prompting this supplementary question.

Question

I regularly meet church leaders in my constituency of Woking, and they often raise the plight of Christians abroad. Please can the hon. Member assure me that one of the Church's top priorities is to tackle extremism and the persecution of Christians abroad?

Answer from Marsha de Cordova

The issue of the persecution of Christians abroad has come up before, and the Church obviously takes it seriously. Last year, a working group was established to provide support for bishops and senior clergy, with relevant experience and reflection, and time for discussion. The group is also assessing the impact of the misuse of Christian language and imagery in political campaigning.

Partly answered

How: The Issue Has Been Taken Seriously, Working [K Group Established

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