The Church Commissioners welcome the announcement of Andrew Selous as Second Church Estates Commissioner

The role of the Second Church Estates Commissioner is to provide a link between Government, Parliament and the established Church. The Second Church Estates Commissioner answers oral and written questions from MPs about Church of England matters in the House of Commons, is a member of Parliament's Ecclesiastical Committee and steers Church of England legislation through the House of Commons. He is also an ex-officio member of the General Synod and a member of the Church Commissioners' Board of Governors.

Following the Downing Street announcement, Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said: “I am delighted that Andrew will be taking on this role. The Church of England seeks to be a hope-filled presence in every community across the country as we live out Jesus’ call to love and serve our neighbours. Andrew’s extensive parliamentary experience will help build and maintain fruitful relationships with MPs as the Church carries out its mission to serve the common good. I look forward to working with Andrew and pray for God’s blessing and guidance as he prepares for these responsibilities. I also pray with gratitude for Dame Caroline Spelman, whose work as Second Church Estates Commissioner was greatly valued.”

Welcoming Andrew Selous’s appointment, Loretta Minghella, said: “We are much looking forward to welcoming Andrew as our new Second Church Estates Commissioner. He brings to the role the experience of an impressive and comprehensive range of posts during his parliamentary career. This will be invaluable as the Church Commissioners continue to support the mission of the Church and the local communities it serves.”

Commenting on his appointment, Andrew Selous, said: “I am delighted and honoured to undertake this role as I have a strong belief in the role the Church plays in society, making a unique contribution to our national life. I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners and building links with my fellow parliamentarians to further the considerable work of the Church nationally.”

Andrew Selous has held several leading parliamentary posts including Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Prisons and Probation from 2014 to 2016. He has represented the Parliamentary constituency of South West Bedfordshire since 2001 and has been elected to serve six times.

Andrew Selous attends St Mary the Virgin, Studham. He and his family are also active worshipping members of the community of The Vineyard, St Albans.

The Church Commissioners for England

The Church Commissioners (Commissioners) exist to support the work and mission of the Church of England today and for future generations, helping it to remain a Christian presence in every community. The Commissioners manage an £8.3bn investment fund in a responsible and ethical way, using the money made from investments to contribute towards the cost of mission projects, dioceses in low-income areas, bishops, cathedrals, and pensions.

The Commissioners’ investment policy is to hold a diversified portfolio of investments across a broad range of asset classes consistent with their ethical guidelines and their Responsible Investment (‘RI’) Framework. The Church Commissioners’ approach to responsible investment is shaped by the ethical policies they have adopted on the recommendation of the Church of England Ethical Investment Advisory Group (‘EIAG’) and by their commitment to the UN-backed Principles for Responsible Investment (‘PRI’). This approach involves ethical exclusions; incorporation of environmental, social and governance issues; action on climate change risks and opportunities; engagement and voting; and impact monitoring and impact investments. The ambition is to be at the forefront of responsible investment globally.

https://www.churchofengland.org/about/leadership-and-governance/church-commissioners