Phillips also represented Richard Harries, the Bishop of Oxford, in a case against the Church Commissioners over ethical investment of their assets.  Harries challenged the Commissioners to change their investment policy, arguing that the Church ought not to invest in assets that were incompatible with the promotion of the Christian faith, even if it involved financial detriment.  The now-famous case was not considered a win for the Bishop at the time, but the action did pave the way for a more permissive environment for charities to invest ethically if they wish.