Church Commissioners Written Questions: Genocide

On 3rd July 2026, the Second Church Estates Commissioner, Marsha De Cordova MP, gave the following written answer to a question from an MP:

Genocide

Adam Jogee MP (Lab, Newcastle-under-Lyme): To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church is taking to help support victims of genocide.

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House of Commons: Clergy Conduct Measure

On 23rd June 2026, the Clergy Conduct Measure was debated by the Delegated Legislation Committee in the House of Commons and passed through the House:

Marsha De Cordova MP (Lab, Battersea) [Second Church Estates Commissioner]: I beg to move,

That the Committee has considered the Clergy Conduct Measure (HC 221).

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairwomanship, Ms Lewell. I know that for many colleagues across the House the prospect of being on a Delegated Legislation Committee considering Church of England legislation is not the true highlight of their parliamentary week—and in this weather; I am so sorry. However, while our setting today might be routine, the legislation before us is anything but. The Measure is a cornerstone of the Church of England’s ongoing vital reform of clergy discipline and safeguarding.

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Church Commissioners Written Questions: Palestinian Christians, Disability, Cost of Living, Roman Catholic Church, Community Relations

Christianity: Palestine

Adam Jogee MP (Lab, Newcastle-under Lyme): To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what recent steps the Church of England has taken to help support Christians living in Palestine.

Marsha De Cordova MP (Lab, Battersea): The Church of England and the Anglican Communion continue to support the ministry of the Anglican Archbishop of Jerusalem and the Diocese of Jerusalem alongside the Anglican Mission agencies operating in the region who largely provide healthcare and education to all living in the local communities in the West Bank and Gaza. The Archbishop of Canterbury is currently on a pilgrimage to the region, where she is learning and witnessing the work of these agencies

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Church Commissioners Questions: Disabled Access to Churches, Cost of Living, Places of Worship Renewal Fund, Support for Christians in Palestine

On 18th June 2026, in the House of Commons, the Second Church Commissioner, Marsha De Cordova MP, gave the following answers to questions from MPs:

Churches: Disabled Access

Daniel Francis MP (Lab, Bexleyheath and Crayford) asked: 3. What steps the Church of England is taking to ensure that churches are accessible for disabled people.

Marsha De Cordova (Lab, Battersea): The Church of England is committed to improving accessibility, so that all who wish to attend churches, whether for worship or community activities, are able to do so. Parishes may apply to the parish accessibility fund for up to £50,000 or a small grant of up to £5,000 for project proposals to improve accessibility features, such as the installation of an accessible toilet, step-free access and production of large-print materials.

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Church Commissioners Written Questions: Clergy Housing

On 15th June 2026, the Second Church Estates Commissioner, Marsha De Cordova MP, gave the following written answer to a question from an MP:

James Cleverley MP (Con, Braintree): To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, with reference to the Answer of 20 March 2026, to Question 118770, on Church of England: Council Tax, if she will publish a copy of the high-level assessment.

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Church Commissioners Written Questions: Church Repairs and Maintenance

ON 27th April 2026, the Second Church Estates Commissioner, Marsha De Cordova MP, gave the following written answer to a question from an MP:

Churches: Repairs and Maintenance

David Simmonds MP (Con, Ruislip, Northwood, and Pinner): To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, if she can confirm current charging arrangements for local authorities to request a Diocese faculty to consider changes to the grounds maintenance provision within closed churchyards.

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Church Commissioners Questions: Christians in Palestine, Children and Young People, Project Spire, Extremism, Child Poverty, Places of Worship Renewal Fund, Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, Archbishop of Canterbury, Small Churches

In the House of Commons, Marsha De Cordova MP, the Second Church Estates Commissioner, gave answers to the following questions from MPs on 16th April 2026:

Christians in Palestine

Kate Osamor MP (Lab, Edmonton & Winchmore Hill) asked: 1. What steps the Church of England is taking to support Christians in Palestine.

Marsha De Cordova MP (Lab, Battersea): The Church remains steadfast in its support for Palestinians. The Bishops of Southwark, Gloucester, Chelmsford and Norwich have publicly highlighted their concerns by condemning the increased settler violence and calling for the reopening of holy places. They have joined His Holiness the Pope and the local heads of Churches, who have called for the protection of innocent civilians. They are offering sanctuary, working for peace and reconciliation, and building intercommunity trust.

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Church Commissioners Written Questions: Ground Rent and Leasehold, Council Tax

On 20th March 2026, the Second Church Estates Commissioner, Marsha De Cordova MP, gave the following written answers to questions from MPs:

Church of England: Ground Rent and Leasehold

Sir James Cleverly MP (Con, Braintree): To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, whether the Church of England had made representations to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on (a) restrictions on ground rents and (b) leasehold reform in the last year.

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Church Commissioners Written Questions: Churches (Listed Buildings), Safeguarding, Clergy, Bishops Disciplinary Proceedings

On 5th March 2026, the second Church Estates Commissioner, Marsha De Cordova MP, gave the following written answers to questions from MPs:

Churches: Listed Buildings

Mr Gregory Campbell MP (DUP, East Londonderry): To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, how many listed churches have been demolished in each of the last five years.

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Church Commissioners Questions: Deprived Communities, Church Attendance, Christian Communities in Palestine, Historical Forced Adoptions, Sudan Conflict

On 26th February 2026, the Second Church Estates Commissioner, Marsha De Cordova MP, gave the following answers to MPs in the House of Commons:

Jessica Toale MP (Lab, Bournemouth West) asked: 2. What steps the Church of England is taking to support deprived communities. 

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