Church of England faces criticism over Project Spire reparations plan

The Church of England is facing criticism over ‘Project Spire’, a reparations initiative officially named the Fund for Healing, Repair and Justice. The fund aims to commit significant resources to groups impacted by the transatlantic slave trade, following research into the Church’s historical links to the trade.

During a visit to Cape Coast Castle in Ghana, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to the project. Describing the site as a ‘painful symbol’ of the Church’s involvement, she framed the initiative as a ‘journey of repentance’ intended to bring justice and reconciliation to those affected by the legacy of slavery.

However, the plan has drawn opposition. Ameer Kotecha, CEO of the Centre for Government Reform, described the project as a ‘foolhardy’ crusade that risks ‘politicising and disunifying the church’. Critics have also questioned the allocation of limited church resources toward the fund while many local parishes struggle financially, and some have raised theological concerns regarding the implications of the project.