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Written question asked by Lord Birt (Crossbench) on Thursday, 19 March 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 2 April 2026. It was answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Labour) on Friday, 27 March 2026 on behalf of the Cabinet Office.

Public Appointments: Religion

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government which public positions and roles cannot be filled by Roman Catholics, Jews and those not in communion with the Church of England; and what constraints are placed on the authority of a Prime Minister or Lord Chancellor who is a practicing Roman Catholic or Jew.

Answer

The Government recognises that there are historical restrictions in statute on Roman Catholic and Jewish people making and advising the Crown on Church appointments. In practice, this affects those holding the offices of Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor. This does not prevent those professing the Roman Catholic or Jewish faith from holding these roles and in such cases the Government would make alternative arrangements for advising the Crown about Church appointments. The Government keeps this matter under review, but, given other pressing issues, this is not a current priority.

As the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, the Sovereign must be in communion with the Anglican Communion. Individuals practising other faiths therefore cannot become Sovereign, Regent or a Counsellor of State.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL15746
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Catholicism Jews Public appointments Non-conformist churches
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk