A priest and a churchwarden are leading a legal challenge against the Church of England’s proposed £100 million slavery reparations fund, seeking permission from the charity regulator to bring a claim in the High Court. The Rev Jamie Franklin, rector at Holy Trinity in Winchester, and Bijan Omrani, a churchwarden at St Michael’s in Shute near Exeter, contend that the church’s financial authorities lack the legal authority to redirect funds toward the reparations project.

The fund, known as Project Spire, is intended to support businesses and social initiatives in Black communities, serving as a means to address racial inequalities and atone for the Church’s historic ties to slavery. The initiative follows a 2023 report by the Church Commissioners, who oversee £11.6 billion in church assets, revealing past investments linked to the South Sea slave trading company. The project has been described by former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby as the start of a multi-generational effort to confront the legacy of transatlantic slavery. His successor, the Most Rev Sarah Mullally, expressed sorrow over the Church’s involvement in the slave trade during a recent visit to Ghana and emphasised the importance of justice and reconciliation.

Bishops confirmed in July that the project’s launch had been delayed due to the legal challenge. Franklin and Omrani argue the fund does not align with the Church Commissioners’ primary charitable purpose, which is to promote the Church of England’s mission and ministry. They also highlighted resentment within church communities, pointing to financial pressures faced by many parishes struggling to remain open and clergy managing large numbers of churches. Omrani, a barrister and author, noted significant burnout among clergy overseeing extensive parish responsibilities, arguing there is no legal, historical, or moral justification for the reparations fund.

Franklin added that the Church of England has maintained a positive record in the abolition of slavery. Supporters of Project Spire contend that the fund could enhance the Church’s mission by engaging more effectively with Black communities, who have been historically under-represented in both church attendance and leadership. The Church has stated it plans to invest £1.6 billion in its work from 2026 to 2028, though critics claim only around £180 million will be directed to local parishes.

James Gardner, a solicitor assisting Franklin and Omrani, pointed to clear legal obligations guiding how the Church Commissioners must allocate their resources. In response, the Church Commissioners said they are addressing the legal challenge in line with their responsibilities as stewards of the charity. They emphasised that if approved, the £100 million fund would be financed solely from income generated by their endowment and would not affect parish finances or collections. The Commissioners described the initiative as an act of Christian repentance, responsible investment, and a credible witness to addressing the Church’s historical involvement in African chattel enslavement.