Home / Our 2030 Vision / Racial justice

Our 2030 Vision: Racial justice

Share this page

Share an article by email

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
PNG more racially just 1

In London there are over 250 different languages spoken. Only once we are truly diverse can we represent the body of Christ in all its richness – and grow healthily.

To reach every Londoner we need to be active in combatting racism and racial injustice.

Equality of opportunity, more leaders of diverse ethnicity, fairer selection processes.

 

On this page:

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’ (John 15:12), His promise of ‘life in all its fullness’ (John 10:10) and our vision.

View and download a PDF version of our commitments

Our churches and schools will:

  • Remain grounded in scripture as we promote equality, equity and justice and as we challenge and remove structural racism, multi-dimensional injustices of racism and discrimination found within the diocese.
  • Recognise and embrace the role we can play in challenging racism and modelling anti-racist behaviours.
  • Never deny the realities of the lived experience of many
  • Recognise the transformative work that needs to be done as we build and strengthen our communities
  • Expect those who work within the Diocese of London increasingly to reflect the diversity of the communities they serve
  • Celebrate the current diversity within our diocese and take steps to engender even greater inclusivity throughout our structures so that the participation of all can be encouraged, actively celebrated and valued at all levels.

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.

Our commitments

The Diocese of London makes clear its commitment to racial justice in keeping with God’s call for ’justice to flow like water and righteousness like a never-ending stream’ (Amos 5:24).

  • Actively praying as a diocese, group or parish over the issue of racial justice supported by a monthly racial justice prayer bulletin (link to racial justice prayer bulletin) and observing the 22nd of each month as Racial Justice Prayer Day
  • Repenting of the hurt caused and pray for a deep healing to marginalised communities as we move together in oneness and in love to forge a future where all are welcomed, valued and included
  • Learning from the lived experiences of many on the impact of racism creating spaces for open and honest dialogue in which all can engage to allow for greater understanding through blogs/videos and case studies recognising the differences within groups
  • Engaging with other diocese across the UK to identify areas of best practice in anti-racist actions that have a clear impact and to share experiences and support and/or be supported as we journey through this change
  • Advocating for racial justice using our influence and understanding to speak up for racial inequity when it is found in the church or in wider society
  • Building representation in our leadership using co-opting powers as necessary in addition to reiterating the value to those with voting powers, of considering diversity in their choices
  • Auditing our recruitment practices to increase representation taking meaningful steps where evidence of bias is apparent
  • Collating ethnicity data that provides a benchmark on which trends can be monitored and insights gained to assess the impact of actions
  • Implementing unconscious bias and anti-racism training across the diocese to facilitate shared learning and greater understanding of the perils of racism
  • Working with the national Racial Justice Commission to ensure our work aligns with efforts across the UK
  • Utilising a race diversity audit to monitor changes in culture across the diocese as a result of actions taken so the impact can be assessed.
  • Designing specific roles that support the racial justice efforts across the diocese in each episcopal area and in the support functions
  • Working closely with the London Diocesan Board for Schools (LDBS) in our shared commitment to racial justice
  • Reviewing heritage/monuments across the diocese raising awareness of how they speak to our shared history
  • Working with the National Church Institute (NCI) to identify cultural barriers in worship and liturgy and in the production of material with greater diversity
  • Collaborating with other minority groups across the diocese to share experiences and promote togetherness.

A 10-point action plan for churches

Could your church community start with one or two of the actions? And build from there?

Click here to view and download the action plan

You can also view and download the parishioners guide 

Synod items concerning racial jusice

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.

Click here to read the report

Members of the Racial Justice Priority Group presented to Diocesan Synod.

Click here to read the outline of the session, including accompanying statistics

Racial Justice Prayer Network

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.

Sign up to receive the monthly prayer bulletin

The Racial Justice Priority Group

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
Head of Governance for the Diocese of London

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 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. 

Further resources

After the flood: the church, slavery and reconciliation – a 67 minute feature documentary -available to rent or buy- which shows how the 18th century Church became embroiled in chattel slavery and asks what this means for Christian reconciliation today. A six-session workbook based on the film’s themes for group work or individual study is also available (£5).

Fund for race discrimination cases – a support fund for people who are going through the legalities of racial discrimination cases.

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.

Picturebooks 4 RE – a collection of children’s books which promote acceptance, belonging and diversity. With thanks to Karl Duke, Headteacher of Blyton cum Laughton Church of England Primary School.

Guvna B on racial justice and the Church – an article by the award-winning Christian artist, on the 30th anniversary of Stephen Lawrence’s murder.

Racial Justice Sunday

Sunday Morning Prayer for Racial Justice Sunday

Eucharist for Racial Justice Sunday

Hymns and readings for Racial Justice Sunday

Latest articles:

Clergy and staff take part in the 5-day challenge for racial equality

During racial equality week many of us in the Diocese took five minutes each day for a reflection and action around race justice.

St Paul’s Cathedral art installation for racial justice inspires thousands of London pupils

World Reimagined: An art installation prompting conversations about racial justice inspires thousands of London schoolchildren at St Paul’s Cathedral.

Embracing Diversity: Understanding the Gypsy, Traveller and Roma Communities

The Revd. Preb. Joseph Fernandes highlights the importance of loving our neighbours.

Exodus: Racial Justice Sunday 2024

Resources for Racial Justice Sunday – February 11 – which explores the movement of people fleeing persecution, peril, poverty and war.

Back
to top