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A theological understanding is imperative as we begin to tackle the evil of racism within our structures, policies and processes.
The theology that underpins the racial justice strategy within the Diocese of London has been published: striving for racial justice in the diocese of London. It reminds us of the significant role we can play in combatting racism in all its forms and how we can collectively journey together with Christ to build a better future for all surrounded by prayer.
The ‘Lament to Action’ report by the Anti-racism taskforce owns and accepts the legacy of racial inequity within the structures and processes of the church and provides clear actions to enable a culture change to root out the sin of racism from its core in all its forms.
Members of the Racial Justice Priority Group (RJPG) issued a statement dated 26 April 2021 in response to the anti-racism taskforce report which supports the report and makes clear that there are structural issues that we need to address and culture change that needs to follow.
It is the intention of the RJPG in line with its terms of reference on behalf of the Diocese of London to pursue a racial justice strategy that moves forward the ‘racially just’ priority of 2030 Vision to action the commitment to embody the life of Christ and begin the transformative work that will embed a culture that is intentionally anti-racist.
Our Commitment to Anti-Racism
The Diocese of London is committed to being actively anti-racist.
We have a significant role to play in combatting racism within our structures, systems and people to build a better future for all. Racism and other forms of discrimination are wholly incompatible with Jesus’ command that we ‘love one another’ (Jn 15:12), His promise of ‘life in all its fullness’ (Jn 10:10) and our vision.
Our churches and schools will:
We know we have more to do and we continue to identify and address systemic issues highlighted by the Anti-Racism taskforce report ‘From Lament to Action’ through a strong programme of actions. Love of God and for our neighbours will enable us to persevere in relentless pursuit of a deep change that will be sustained and embedded.
Could your church community start with one or two of the actions? And build from there?
This paper summarises the developments of the Church of England since the reaction to the murder of George Floyd in the US prompted an international outcry at the persistent racism through society, including the churches.
All are welcome to sign up to receive the Prayer Bulletin of the Racial Justice Prayer Network. It goes out once a month by email.
We strongly believe that, in order to achieve the changes we long for, this work must be undergirded by prayer as a sustained effort.
The primary purpose of the Racial Justice Priority Group is to provide strategic oversight and
act as a steering group that supports the Diocese of London in taking forward the ‘racially just’ priority area of 2030 Vision. You can read their terms of reference here.
There are currently 10 members and they meet quarterly.
The Rt Revd Dr Joanne Woolway Grenfell
Bishop of Stepney
Monica Bolley
Synodical Secretary for the Diocese of London
Revd Canon Arani Sen
Director of Ministry and Dean of Cultural Diversity in the Two Cities
Revd Prebendary Dr Amatu Oñundu Christian-Iwuagwu
Director of Mission and Racial Justice in the Edmonton Area
Sprinkle Harrison
HR Administrator for the Diocese of London
Revd Allen Bower
Dean of Cultural Diversity for the Kensington Area
Revd Taemin Oh
Dean of Cultural Diversity in the Edmonton Area
The Ven John Hawkins
Archdeacon of Hampstead
Revd Prebendary Sandra McCalla
Chaplain to the Bishop of London
Stephanie Ajayi
Capacity Building Consultant
For biographies of the members please click here.
Beyond the Lych gate; a Strategic Diagnostic of Church Culture and Practices that Marginalise and Disenfranchise Black, Asian Minority Ethnic People in the Church of England – Dr. Sanjee Perera
songs2serve; A collection of songs that helps shape intercultural worship in churches so all can meet with God in their own language.
Conversations on race and culture in the church in the UK: Anna Poulson and Bishop Lusa talk about their experiences and passion for a truly intercultural Church in the UK.
