Church of England faces backlash over £1bn slavery reparations fund, UK

The Church of England leaders were compelled to take action amidst concerns that backlash regarding their £100million slavery reparations fund would impact donations from parishioners. They collaborated with the Church’s giving advisers to create a guide debunking myths surrounding the controversial fund. While the Church initially announced the establishment of a £100million fund for reparations linked to its historical involvement in the slave trade, plans for a larger target of £1billion were later unveiled, with a focus on seeking contributions from external sources. Notably, Bishop of Salisbury Stephen Lake emphasized that no parish funds would be used for reparations, reassuring that all funding would be sourced from the Church Commissioners’ Endowment Fund. The Church’s move has stirred significant debate, with critics raising concerns, while advocates like Professor David Olusoga hailed the fund as an opportunity for restorative justice. The funds are set to be invested in black-owned businesses and communities impacted by the legacies of slavery and are part of the Church’s broader effort to address its historical connections to the African chattel enslavement.