Over 150 Global Majority Heritage (GMH) and UK Minority Ethnic (UKME) clergy and ordinands from across the southern dioceses attended a provincial gathering at Church House, Westminster. The event, From Lament to Action: Seeking Justice and Joy, Celebrating Calling and Courage, was part of a series of annual gatherings recommended by the Archbishops’ report, From Lament to Action.
The day began with a welcome and prayers from Bishops Anderson (Edmonton) and Rosemarie (Croydon), with a performance by Soul Sanctuary, a London-based Gospel choir. Attendees engaged in introductory conversations around tables, fostering an atmosphere of mutual support and networking among UKME/GMH clergy and ordinands.
The gathering included a series of reflections on diversity presented by Bishop Guli (on Persian/Farsi Christianity), Bishop Rosemarie (on African Chattel Enslavement), and Bishop Anderson (on Ministry to Dalits). These reflections sparked conversations, providing a space for attendees to share their experiences and perspectives on racial justice and inclusivity within the Church.
Archbishop Justin Welby arrived informally during a short tea break, later delivering a formal greeting. In his introduction to the event, he emphasised the Church of England’s need to reflect the diversity of the country, stating, “We must be a church where everyone feels supported to achieve their full potential, where people can see themselves reflected at every level of our institution, and that is younger and more diverse.”
The gathering continued with a walk to St Margaret’s Church for a Eucharistic service, presided over by Archbishop Justin, with Bishop Lusa (Willesden) preaching the sermon. This was followed by a dinner at Lambeth Palace, where after-dinner remarks were shared by the Archbishop, bishops, and other participants, and a vote of thanks was offered by Sharon Prentis.
Bishop Anderson said, “It was an extraordinary day to celebrate, recognise and rejoice in the gift so many of our GMH/UKME sisters and brothers bring to our church. There was a real sense of fellowship and shared purpose to build an inclusive and welcoming church. Everyone drew inspiration from the stories shared and reaffirmed their belonging to one another. Truly a joyful day”.
The event concluded with a time for winding down and farewell drinks, providing a final opportunity for fellowship and reflection on the day’s discussions.
The Provincial GMH/UKME Gathering represents a step forward in the Church’s ongoing commitment to justice, diversity, and inclusion, aligning with the vision of being a community that embraces and celebrates people from all backgrounds.
About GMH and UKME
GMH stands for Global Majority Heritage, which refers to people whose ethnic backgrounds represent the majority of the world’s population, such as those of African, Asian, Caribbean, Latin American, and Middle Eastern descent.
UKME stands for UK Minority Ethnic, referring to people in the UK from minority ethnic groups. These terms are often used to acknowledge the diversity within communities and to promote inclusivity and representation in various sectors, including the Church.