Racial Justice Sunday provides an opportunity for all churches to reflect on the importance of racial justice, to give thanks for the gifts and beauty of human diversity, and to commit to end racism and acts of discrimination.
It is an ecumenical observance which began in 1995 in Britain and Ireland following the murder of Black teenager Stephen Lawrence in South London, on 22 April 1993. This year, Racial Justice Sunday will be on 9 February and will be celebrating its 30th anniversary with the theme of 'Coat of Many Colours'.
This year's theme reflects the increasing diversity that exists in the churches in Britain and Ireland. Both the Old Testament, or the Hebrew Bible, and the New Testament are replete with references to diversity, in this world and the Kingdom to come. There is little doubt that British churches, especially in the larger cities, are a microcosm of the world in a congregation, which is indeed a blessing that must be celebrated. Equally, the fact that the diversity of believers has breathed some much-needed spiritual life into our churches reveals that this is a movement of God worthy of praise and thanksgiving.
Yet, despite this amazing reality, inequality still exists in the Church and is still a factor that blights the experiences of too many people of Global Majority heritage or Black and Brown backgrounds. This leaves people not feeling as if they belong in the house of the Lord, or not being given the opportunity to use their God-given talents to further the Lord’s Kingdom. Resources available from Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, including sermons and reflections, address the importance of inclusion and the need for all Christians to engage in the righteous work for racial justice.
This year there will be a Diocesan Racial Justice Sunday service on the theme of 'Coat of Many Colours' with Bishop Martin. Do join us on Sunday 9 February, 4pm at St Anne's Church in Bewdley.
Merciful God, you are righteous and love justice: stir the hearts of your people that, rejoicing in our diversity, we may repent of the wrongs of the past, and, by your grace, seek the peaceable kingdom of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.
