Racial Justice Sunday is on 12 February this year. It offers an opportunity for all churches to reflect on the importance of racial justice, to give thanks for diversity, and to commit to end racism and acts of discrimination.
Racism and racial discrimination are issues of justice because they deny basic human dignity to men and women made in God’s image. Wherever and whenever we treat another “as lesser, or other, our theology fails to celebrate the dramatic nature of our transformation as people who find their primary identity in Christ. In Christ, our differences are not simply erased but rather embraced, valuing the unique ways we each reflect the image of God”
Resources for Churches
22 April 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of the racist killing of Black teenager, Stephen Lawrence, in Eltham, southeast London. In many respects, Racial Justice Sunday is one of the many legacies of Stephen Lawrence’s life. As such, in marking RJS, churches are remembering a young man who in life aspired to be an architect, but whose legacy has seen him become an architect for justice, equality, dignity and unity.
This year's Racial Justice Sunday resources will provide readers with opportunities to pray and take action on racial justice-related matters. They include a variety of reflections from Christians who were around at the time of Stephen Lawrence’s killing. It also features contributions from younger racial justice champions who reflect on what Stephen’s murder means to them as Christians living in a world that is still grappling with racial justice. Find more on the Churches Together website.
Liturgical resources available on the Church of England's website.
After the Flood
The Diocesan Racial Justice Forum have organised a screening of 'After the Flood: the church, slavery and reconciliation' on Saturday 22 April, 7pm at St John's Church in Greenlands, Redditch, which will be followed by an opportunity to ask questions of Robert Beckford, professor of Black Theology at Queen's College in Birmingham as well as documentary maker for the BBC and Channel 4. Robert’s research focuses on the intersection of race, class, gender and the social and religious environment. He has won numerous awards for his work including a BAFTA and a Jamaican Diaspora Award.
This documentary from the Movement for Justice and Reconciliation shows how the 18th Century Church became involved in slavery and addresses the historical neglect of slavery in British Christian history. It also looks at biblical principles for racial reconciliation in our churches today.
All are welcome, but to ensure there are enough refreshments, please email Helen Shakespeare in the Bishop of Dudley's office if you are planning to come along.
