Story perspectives

Church Rejects Rewilding Goal, Supports Palestine, Retains £100M Fund

7/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

At the General Synod in York, the Church of England voted against a 30% land-rewilding target for its 42,500 hectares, leaving only 3.5% supporting nature.
The synod passed a Palestinian-solidarity motion 253-47, committing the church to hear Kairos Palestine declarations, condemn antisemitism and urge a just peace.
Bishops upheld the £100 million Project Spire reparative-justice fund despite a legal challenge, acknowledging responsibility for historic slavery links.

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Story summary

At the General Synod in York, the Church of England voted against a 30% land-rewilding target for its 42,500 hectares, leaving only 3.5% supporting nature.
The synod passed a Palestinian-solidarity motion 253-47, committing the church to hear Kairos Palestine declarations, condemn antisemitism and urge a just peace.
Bishops upheld the £100 million Project Spire reparative-justice fund despite a legal challenge, acknowledging responsibility for historic slavery links.