On 6th June 2025, Marsha De Cordova MP, on behalf of the Church Commissioners, gave the following written answers to questions from MPs:
Overseas Trade: Israel and Occupied Territories
Kevin Hollinrake MP (Con, Thirsk and Malton): To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, pursuant to the Answer of 20 May 2025 to Question 52266 on Overseas Trade: Israel and Occupied Territories, which companies that trade with (a) Israel and (b) the Occupied Territories are excluded following a controversy screen and assessment of the human rights risks.
Marsha De Cordova MP (Lab, Battersea): The Church Commissioners do not disclose details of restricted companies due to commercial sensitivity.
As stated in the answer issued in UIN 52266(opens in a new tab) on 20th May, the Church Commissioners have a process where they may restrict companies which are considered to cause, contribute to or are linked to human rights risks and impacts. In conflict-affected and high-risk areas, the Church Commissioners note the heightened risks of human rights harms and take this into account when screening their portfolios. The Pensions Board, as a separate legal entity, takes a similar approach.
Churches: Heating
Blake Stephenson MP (Con, Mid Bedfordshire): To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, if she will hold discussions with the Church of England on the potential merits of heating church buildings with boilers that are compatible with hydrated vegetable oil.
Marsha De Cordova: The National Church Institutions, Cathedral and Church Buildings Department does not recommend that parish churches use hydrated vegetable oil for heating. They have issued the following advice available here: https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/churchcare/advice-and-guidance-church-buildings/hydrogen-and-hydrotreated-vegetable-oils(opens in a new tab)
All the Parochial Church Councils across England have been encouraged to undertake an energy audit as part of the commitment of the Church of England to reach net zero by 2030. The audit should be conducted on a church-by-church basis to identify the best local heating, insulation, and lighting solutions.
An energy audit enables informed decisions to find the most suitable technology to replace boilers, heating, lighting and insulation. It also allows the parish church to apply for grants from the National Church Institutions, which may be able to help a parish install new technology, equipment and materials to make their buildings more efficient to operate.
Details of the grants can be found here: https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/churchcare/net-zero-carbon-church/short-guide-grants-and-projects-help-your-church-get
The Church of England in Parliament 
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