The Church in Parliament
The Church of England, as the established church, is represented in Parliament in several ways.
In the House of Lords, the 26 most senior English archbishops and bishops sit as the 'Lords Spiritual'.
In the House of Commons the Second Church Estates Commissioner - traditionally an MP from the governing party - guides church legislation and answers questions from MPs on church matters, including once a month on the floor of the House.
The parliamentary Ecclesiastical Committee, which contains both MPs and Peers, is responsible for scrutinising Church of England legislation, prior to it being sent for approval by both Houses of Parliament.
The Speaker of the House of Commons also appoints an Anglican chaplain, whose duties include leading the Commons in prayer before each daily sitting.
For more information please use the links on the left hand side of the screen.
_____________________________________________________________________________
The Church of England Parliamentary Unit supports the work of the bishops in the House of Lords and the Second Church Estates Commissioner in the House of Commons.
The Parliamentary Unit is staffed by:
Richard Chapman, Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs
Direct line: 020 7898 1438
Email: parliamentary@churchofengland.org
Simon Stanley, Deputy Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs
Direct line: 020 7898 1478
Email: parliamentary@churchofengland.org
