What is Project Spire and why is it dividing the Church of England?

The church’s £100m project aims to address past connections to slavery, but critics say funds should help struggling parishes

Anglican clergy in London to be asked to promote antiracism in sermons

The new archbishop of Canterbury has defended Project Spire, the Church of England’s £100m project to address its historical connections to transatlantic slavery.

Responding to a letter sent by 24 Conservative MPs and four Conservative peers, Dame Sarah Mullally, who wa inaugurated last week, said the church had a “calling to confront historic justice”.

Tory critics had said “it’s wrong to try and justify diverting £100m” at a time when “churches across the country are struggling to keep their doors open”.