Controversy Erupts Over Church of England’s £100m Slavery Reparations Fund

Controversial Church of England Fund Faces Legal Scrutiny and Opposition

In a bid to address its historical ties to the transatlantic slave trade, the Church of England proposed a £100 million fund, a move that has sparked significant debate. Katie Lam MP has voiced staunch opposition to the initiative, known as Project Spire, challenging its legality and purpose.

Lam, representing Weald of Kent, has been vocal about her disapproval, labeling the project as “illegal” and “disastrous.” She argues that the fund should be redirected to support struggling parishes instead. According to her, the justification for Project Spire is flawed, as the Church’s historical involvement in slavery is based on a misunderstanding of financial records.

Project Spire emerged after a 2023 report indicated connections between Queen Anne’s Bounty—a predecessor of the Church Commissioners—and the slave trade, through investments and donations. However, Lam contests this finding, suggesting the confusion stems from a mix-up between South Sea Securities, linked to slavery, and South Sea Annuities, which were government loans.

Lam’s critique extends to the notion of reparations, highlighting Britain’s historic efforts to abolish slavery. She stated, “Almost every society in the world participated in slavery at some point in its history. The unique thing about Britain is the fact that we spent so much time and money on trying to end the slave trade.”

Echoing Lam’s sentiments, Jamie Franklin, a priest at Holy Trinity Winchester, referred to her remarks as “a very good, concise summary of the principal reasons why Project Spire is such a complete scandal.” He criticized the Church Commissioners for not using their substantial fund to support parish ministries.

Lam, along with 23 other Conservative MPs and four House of Lords members, previously urged Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, to reconsider the project. They argued that the Church’s endowment should prioritize parish support and church maintenance.

The Church of England’s General Synod confirmed that over £1.15 million has already been allocated to Project Spire. Bishop of Norwich, Graham Usher, defended the expenditure, explaining it was used for research and legal consultations regarding the Church’s historical finances.

Despite facing legal challenges, Bishop Usher has denied any illegality in the fund’s creation. He emphasized that the fund’s expenses align with the Church’s charitable purposes. However, the legal dispute has delayed the registration of the Fund for Healing, Repair and Justice with the Charity Commission.

Recent polls indicate significant opposition among churchgoers, with 81% believing the fund should aid local parishes and 61% considering withdrawing financial support if the project proceeds.

Despite the backlash, the Church remains committed to Project Spire. Bishop Usher reiterated the Church’s responsibility to address its historical ties to slavery, stating, “We continue to be outraged by our historic links to African chattel enslavement and our part in the responsibility for the enduring legacies of this abhorrent past that continue to affect the lives of people today.”