A group of 27 MPs and peers have called on the incoming Archbishop of Canterbury to reconsider the Church of England’s plan for slavery reparations.

In a letter addressed to Dame Sarah Mullally, parliamentarians expressed concern about Project Spire, which would see £100 million from the Church Commissioners' endowment allocated to a separate fund promoting “healing, repair and justice” for communities historically impacted by slavery. 

Led by Shadow Home Office Minister Katie Lam, the letter argued that the endowment should be used to support parish ministry, maintain church buildings, and preserve the Church’s historic records.

Signatories including senior Conservatives Chris Philp, Claire Coutinho, and Neil O’Brien warned the plan could set a “worrying precedent” for other organisations to make similar financial commitments. 

“At a moment when churches across the country are struggling to keep their doors open - many even falling into disrepair - it’s wrong to try and justify diverting £100 million to a project entirely separate from those core obligations,” the letter stated.

The group also questioned the “evidential basis” for Project Spire, which was initiated after research revealed the Church’s historical financial links to slavery.

“The Church has a long and complex historical record, one that includes both moral failures and courageous leadership in the abolitionist movement. To reduce this history to a simplistic narrative of guilt does a disservice both to truth and to the Church’s own legacy,” the letter added.

Dame Sarah will be formally installed as Archbishop of Canterbury in March. 

“A clear signal from you now that the focus of the Church under your leadership will be the strengthening of parishes, not the pursuit of high-profile and legally dubious vanity projects, would reassure the many worshippers, clergy, and members of the public who have contacted us with their concerns,” the letter urged her.

A spokesperson for the Church Commissioners said Project Spire is "consistent with the Church of England’s Fourth Mark of Mission: to ‘seek to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation.'"

They insisted the fund is being developed "transparently," and "in line with charity law, our fiduciary duties, and our moral purpose—to ensure proper oversight and accountability.”