The Church Commissioners for England welcomes today’s Crown appointment of Marsha de Cordova as Second Church Estates Commissioner, succeeding Andrew Selous.
Marsha will be the 43rd Second Church Estates Commissioner, a role first created in 1850 to coordinate between Government, Parliament, and the established Church.
“I am delighted that Marsha de Cordova is taking on the role of Second Church Estates Commissioner,” said Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. “Marsha’s time in Parliament stands her in excellent stead for the role, providing a link between MPs and the Church of England. I also extend my thanks to Andrew Selous for his guidance, advice, and support during his time as Second Estates Commissioner. His tireless work was always underpinned by his strong Christian faith and deep commitment to public service. I pray for him and his family as he embarks on life outside of Parliament, after more than 20 years of serving his constituents.”
The Second Church Estates Commissioner answers oral and written questions from MPs in the House of Commons about Church of England matters, is a member of Parliament’s Ecclesiastical Committee, and guides Church of England legislation through the House of Commons. She will be a member of the Church Commissioners’ Board of Governors and an ex-officio member of the General Synod.
“I am thrilled to welcome Marsha de Cordova as the new Second Church Estates Commissioner,” said First Church Estates Commissioner, Alan Smith. “Marsha’s wisdom, parliamentary experience, and deep personal faith, along with her expertise in the charity sector, and her passion about equality for all, will greatly benefit the Church Commissioners as we further the mission of the Church and serve our local communities.”
“I am honoured to take on this role,” said Marsha de Cordova. “The Church of England is a core part of our national story and plays a vital role in our society. I look forward to working with my fellow Commissioners – and my fellow parliamentarians – to help further the work of the Church.”
Marsha de Cordova has been the Labour MP for Battersea since 2017. She was Shadow Secretary of State for Women and Equalities from April 2020 until September 2021 and Shadow Minister for Disabled People from 2016 until April 2020. She also served on the Work and Pension Select Committee and Petitions Committee.
Before entering Parliament, she worked in the charity sector for more than ten years.
Marsha was born with Nystagmus and is registered blind. She has dedicated much of her life and career to campaigning for disability rights and equality and for better eye health care.
