Overview
- Merlin Strategy’s survey of 500 practising Anglicans found 61% would redirect donations if Church funds were used for slavery reparations.
- Respondents showed a strong preference for local spending, with 81% wanting funds for parishes and priorities such as repairs (71%), services (48%) and clergy support (41%).
- Only 24% of those polled said reparations for historic injustices should take precedence over other Church spending priorities.
- The Church Commissioners are pressing ahead with Project Spire’s £100 million commitment spread over nine years despite criticism.
- Opposition includes Conservative MPs and peers and a Policy Exchange report questioning the historical framing and legal basis, while the Church cites research linking an 18th‑century fund to chattel slavery and notes Justin Welby’s prior apology.