The Church of England (CoE) is to merge two of its existing organisations, the Archbishops’ Council and Church of England Central Services, into a single charity.

The new charity will be called Church of England National Services and will require Parliamentary approval to be set up.

The shake-up follows a four-year review aimed at simplifying the church’s structures.

The new charity will also take over the non-investment functions of Church Commissioners and most of those of the Offices of the Archbishops at Lambeth and Bishopthorpe Palaces.

The move has received final approval from the CoE in a vote at its Synod in York this week.

Ahead of the debate, The Bishop of Guildford, who chaired the steering group which has been developing the move, said the changes would enable “more effective governance at the national level” so the Church “might better serve and support our parishes, their churches, schools and communities”.

The plan to create the new charity was backed unanimously by Bishops and Clergy at the Synod. Among lay members, it was voted for by 133, with 10 voting against.

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