During Black History Month in October, why not consider reading and reflecting on the book ‘Tarry Awhile: Wisdom from Black Spirituality for People of Faith’ by Selina Stone. Robert Barbour, member of the diocesan Racial Justice group offers his perspective on the book and how they are planning to use it in his parish of Bewdley.
‘Tarry Awhile: Wisdom from Black Spirituality for People of Faith’ by Selina Stone was the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lent book for 2024. It was promoted on the diocesan website at the time and you may well have read it. Whether or not you read it during Lent, it would make excellent material for discussion by groups during Black History Month, which is October.
The book 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 book also charts Selina Stone’s own journey of faith, and I found this to be very moving. This book is not a detached and remote prayer manual; it is the story of an ever-deepening encounter with God.
The book is divided up into seven sections, each containing between two and four short chapters. At the end of each chapter there are questions for discussion. It is therefore ideal material for a small group that meets weekly. The group can read a section individually during the week and come together to discuss it.
In the benefice of Bewdley, we do not have many permanent house groups. We do, however, run groups during Lent and Advent. This year we plan to have a book group during October to mark Black History Month. We anticipate a dual benefit: we will learn more about the historic experience of Black people, and we will also have the chance to expand our own spiritual horizons. Mel Beynon, who arrived as Rector of the benefice in June, is very keen to develop our prayer life, and such a group will provide a good vehicle to start this journey.
How about exploring if your parish or benefice could run such a group as well this October, or use the book as material for existing house groups? It promises to be an enriching experience.
Robert Barbour, Licensed Lay Minister in Bewdley & member of the diocesan Racial Justice group
