This week in the House of Lords bishops led a debate on banking reform, and spoke and voted on a Bill that had been passed by MPs to seek an extension of the Brexit date. They asked questions about serious youth crime and funding for education in conflict-torn countries. In the House of Commons the Second Church Estates Commissioner answered questions on theology and practice in the Church of England and Anglican Communion.
The Bishop of Birmingham was on duty and read prayers at the start of each sitting day.
Monday 2nd September
Parliament was not sitting
Tuesday 3rd September
Rt Hon Dame Caroline Spelman MP, Second Church Estates Commissioner, answered six written questions from Sir John Hayes MP about theology and pratice in the Church of England and Anglican Communion.
The Bishop of St Albans asked Government about early intervention to prevent serious youth crime.
The Bishop of St Albans also led a debate on progress made in banking reform, in which the Bishop of Birmingham also spoke.
The Bishop of Durham asked Government about funding for education of girls in Burundi and countries torn by conflict.
Wednesday 4th September
The House of Lords debated a Motion from the Leader of the Opposition to suspend the usual procedures for the taking of a Bill, in order to enable the House to take all stages of the European Union (Withdrawal) (Number 6) Bill 2017-19 on Thursday and Friday of that week. The Bishop of Leeds spoke in response to an amendment opposing the Motion, and seven bishops voted at different times on subsequent amendments to delay progress and motions to bring filibusters to a close. The Motion was eventually passed.
Thursday 5th September
The House of Lords considered the European Union (Withdrawal) (Number 6) Bill at its Second Reading. The Bishop of Leeds spoke in the debate, calling for end to binary leave/remain labels and for a focus on values to shape a shared future.
Friday 6th September
Three bishops voted against an amendment to the European Union (Withdrawal) (Number 6) Bill during its remaining stages, before it was passed by the Lords.
The Church of England in Parliament 
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