Best of the Spectator

Reparations: the tyranny of imaginary guilt, with Nigel Biggar & Katie Lam

18 snips
Sep 28, 2025
Nigel Biggar, an expert in moral theology and Anglican priest, critiques the Church of England's reparations plans, arguing they stem from a ‘lust for self-condemnation.’ Conservative MP Katie Lam questions the legality of reallocating church funds for reparations, highlighting charity law violations. Both guests warn these precedents could force historical institutions to divert funds away from essential community needs. They also discuss the erasure of British abolitionist efforts and the implications for parishioners' support.
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INSIGHT

Elite Virtue Signalling Drives Reparations

  • Nigel Biggar argues elites endorse reparations from excess virtue-signalling rather than reasoned judgment.
  • He calls this a "lust for self-condemnation" driving costly symbolic gestures.
INSIGHT

Weak Historical Basis For Church Claims

  • Nigel Biggar says the historical link between the Church's funds and slave profits is weak or nonexistent.
  • He cites historians showing the Queen Anne's bounty and South Sea involvement made no profit from slave trading.
ADVICE

Trustees Must Challenge Assumptions

  • Nigel Biggar urges diligent trustees to expose and challenge assumptions before committing funds.
  • He criticises the Church Commissioners for failing basic due diligence and delegating to an activist group.
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