Welcome to the Church of England’s weekly round-up of activity in Parliament.
This week, bishops in the House of Lords took part in debates on Eritrea and Ethiopia, the Counter-Terrorism and Security Bill, education reform and Palestine. Bishops also asked questions on Saudi Arabia, Boko Haram, faith and free schools, oil prices and flood control.
In the House of Commons, the Second Church Estates Commissioner answered questions on the Archbishop of York’s Book ‘On Rock Or Sand’, medical ethics, the Anglican Communion, financial education, women bishops and bats.
Monday 26th January
The Bishop of St Albans, the Rt Revd Alan Smith, received an answer to a written question on freedom of expression in Saudi Arabia.
Tuesday 27th January
The Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Revd Tim Stevens, asked a supplementary question on the UK’s assistance in the rescue and recovery of the Nigeria girls abducted by Boko Haram.
The Bishop of Derby, the Rt Revd Alastair Redfern, took part in a question for short debate on recent 
events in Eritrea and Ethiopia, and of their impact on migration to western Europe.
Wednesday 28th January
The Bishop of Leicester asked a supplementary question on the regulation and oversight of state-funded faith schools or free schools.
The Bishop of Chester made two interventions during the Committee Stage 
of the Government’s Counter-Terrorism and Security Bill. He raised questions over whether institutions of religious instruction or education were to be covered by new duties and responsibilities related to safeguarding and national security.
Thursday 29th January
The Bishop of Leicester asked a supplementary question on the Government’s role in ensuring the benefits of lower oil prices are passed on to the consumer, particularly in rural areas.
The Bishop of Ely, the Rt Revd Stephen Conway, took part in a debate on the progress of the Government’s education reforms. The Bishop is the Chair of the Church of England’s National Society, the body that oversees the running of all Church of England schools.
The Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, spoke in a 
debate on the question of Palestinian statehood.
The Bishop of St Albans received an answer to a written question on flood control.
In the House of Commons, the Second Church Estates Commissioner, the Rt Hon. Sir Tony Baldry MP answered oral questions on the Archbishop of York’s Book ‘On Rock Or Sand’, medical ethics, the Anglican Communion, financial education, women bishops and bats.
The Church of England in Parliament 
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