Bishop of Exeter to chair Churches Legislation Advisory Service

The Rt Rev Michael Langrish, Bishop of Exeter, has been appointed to chair the Churches’ Legislation Advisory Service (CLAS) in succession to the Rt Rev George Cassidy, Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham.

“I am very much looking forward to taking up this appointment,” said Bishop Langrish on his appointment. “The work of CLAS may not often hit the headlines, but it has a vital role in alerting Christian and Jewish communities to the implications of proposed legislation and new regulations on their work and the contribution they are able to make to the wider society.

“Drawing on its considerable knowledge and experience it also looks to work with Government at all levels to ensure that such legislation is workable, fair and consistent.

"It is a privilege to follow Bishop George Cassidy, under whose chairmanship the role and reputation of CLAS has been very considerably enhanced and strengthened.”

CLAS came into existence on 8 March 2008 as the successor to the Churches Main Committee. It exists to provide information and general advice to members on issues such property, finance, tax, employment and charitable status and liaise with government in the UK and Europe on matters that affect member organisations.

CLAS has some forty members, including all the mainstream churches and many of the smaller ones. In addition, the United Synagogue is an associate member. It operates partly by negotiations on members' behalf and partly by monitoring the political and legal landscape and making representations as and when necessary.