Small Rural Communities

Ms Julie Minns, the Labour MP for Carlisle, asked what steps the Church of England is taking to support parish life in small rural communities. In response, Marsha De Cordova, the Second Church Estates Commissioner, acknowledged that this was her first time responding to questions in this role. She paid tribute to her predecessor, Andrew Selous, and expressed her intention to do her best for parliamentarians and commissioners. De Cordova explained that the Church of England operates 16,000 parish churches, over half of which are in rural areas, along with Church schools. She stated that the Church provides the largest network of buildings in England that serve communities, used for worship, education, and various social and community initiatives such as food banks, post offices, and credit unions. Ms Minns followed up, highlighting the parish of Bewcastle in her constituency, which is home to the Bewcastle cross, a significant example of pre-Norman carving. She noted that the parish organizes a vibrant community hub every month, which is critical in overcoming social isolation and loneliness. Minns asked the Church Commissioners to consider additional funding for the parish to improve the village hall, as next month will mark 1,350 years since the carving of the cross. De Cordova acknowledged the work of the volunteers in the parish of Bewcastle and stated that she would look into the specific case and see what advice can be given to support the MP. She also commended the work of the Good Shepherd multi-academy trust, which is in the Carlisle constituency and supports children, families, and communities to flourish. Jim Shannon, the DUP MP for Strangford, welcomed the Second Church Estates Commissioner and thanked her for the previous response. He highlighted that the purpose of the church is to tell the greatest story ever told, the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, but it also has practical purposes, such as caring for the elderly and children through childcare and nurseries, as well as hosting social events. Shannon asked what the Church Commissioners will do to ensure that these practical outpourings of the gospel continue to happen in communities. De Cordova acknowledged the hon. Member's points and stated that the Church ensures there is good infrastructure to protect all communities, including children and young people.