Welcome to the Church of England’s weekly round-up of activity in Parliament.
This week saw the State Opening of Parliament, followed by the beginning of the formal debate on the Queen’s Speech. In the House of Lords bishops spoke on the subjects of welfare, children, adoption, and education. In the House of Commons the Second Church Estates Commissioner proposed the loyal address on behalf of the House after the Queen’s Speech. A bill on fixed odds betting terminals was submitted to the Lords ballot for Private Member’s Bills by the Bishop of St Albans
The Bishop of Birmingham, Rt Revd David Urquhart, was on duty throughout the week, leading prayers in the Lords Chamber at the start of each sitting day.
Wednesday 18th May
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II opened Parliament. The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishops of London, Winchester, Birmingham, Coventry, St Albans and Ely were in attendance. Afterwards in the House of Commons Rt Hon Caroline Spelman MP moved the loyal address.
Thursday 19th May
The Bishop of Durham spoke in the first day of debate on the Queen’s Speech, on welfare, children, adoption and life chances.
The Bishop of Ely spoke in the same debate on proposals for academies, Higher and Further education.
A Private Member’s Bill from the Bishop of St Albans on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals was drawn from the ballot. It will be introduced to the House on 13th June. A press release on the Bill can be seen here.
The Church of England in Parliament 
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