A group from the benefice of Ribbesford w Bewdley & Dowles & Wribbenhall used Black History Month in October as an opportunity to explore the book, ‘Tarry Awhile: Wisdom from Black Spirituality for People of Faith’ by Selina Stone.
The group met in Wribbenhall Church over five evenings during October and at each session they reflected on one or two chapters of the book and explored some of the questions it posed. Three leaders took it in turns to lead each session, identifying the starting questions and helping the conversation to flow. The group were also fuelled with tea and cake! 
‘Tarry Awhile’ deals with Selina Stone’s experiences as a black Christian and links this with the wider experience of Black people and with passages from the Bible. While the book does cover aspects of the oppression that Black people have suffered, it is careful not to allow Black spirituality to be defined by it, but rather Selina paints a rich tapestry of Black spirituality, with a particular focus on ‘tarrying’ or waiting on God. The book challenges us to explore and extend our own spiritual practice.
The group was organised by LLM Robert Barbour who is also a member of the diocesan Racial Justice Forum. He said: “The book is very well written and explores deep concepts in approachable language. It is very full of ideas which is a challenge for the leader! It is also a good mix of information about what it is like to be a black Christian in the UK together with high quality guidance about prayer and spirituality.”
Feedback from those who attended was very positive with people saying that it had helped challenge their assumptions and has encouraged them to look at other books about black history and black experiences.
One participant said: “I have really loved the book and am intending to read it again. It is not the most comfortable of reads, but much of the content has been absolutely wonderful.”
Another said: “As white people, no matter how hard we try, we can’t imagine experiences from a black perspective, so it is important to try to read books like this.”
Rector, Mel Beynon, said: “I found it quite a challenging read, particularly the last chapter, but I have had quite a few ‘lightbulb’ moments while reading it.”
Reading the book has encouraged the benefice to think more widely about inclusivity, the broader ways in which people might feel excluded and how our churches can be more welcoming. They are also planning to consider their own worship to share with their wider church family some of themes about ‘tarrying’ and making space for healing.
