The purpose of the Commission was to set out a compelling agenda for change, in careful gospel-driven discernment, balancing the needs of individuals, communities, and society, maximising opportunities, and ensuring fairness for all. In order to understand why disparities exist, what works and what does not, the Commission listened and learned from processes of participative engagement, and considered detailed quantitative data and qualitative evidence, commissioned new research and invited submissions where necessary and engaged with stakeholders and conversation partners across and beyond the Church.

The Commission reported to the Archbishops every six months during the three-year period 2022-2024, with recommendations to help the Archbishops fulfil their commitments to identify, respond to, and root out systemic racism in the Church, and our reports are available below.

Commenting on the first Report, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, said: “We strongly welcome the first report of the Commission on Racial Justice and the clear, independent scrutiny it provides. I am very grateful to Lord Boateng and his Commission members for the work they have done so far. This report identifies the difficult and long path to eradicating the pain and injustice felt by so many, but provides us with hope that through the Commission’s work, these issues will be addressed.”

The Archbishop of York, the Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell added: “We are encouraged to see the work of the Commission in challenging current practice and stimulating culture change in the Church of England. It is important for us to engage with these ideas and continue to build both support and action. This reminds us that justice lies at the heart of the Gospels and it is our hope that the whole Church will be inspired to commit in earnest to this transformation.”

The work of the Commission was received with thanks by the General Synod of the Church of England in an overwhelmingly supportive formal vote in February 2025. It's work will be taken forwards by the Racial Justice Unit situated within the National Church Institutions, within a governance structure including the establishment of a Racial Justice Board as a committee of the Archbishops’ Council (to replace CMEAC), containing a Lead Bishop for Racial Justice, and scrutinised by an external Racial Justice Panel.

Commission members and staff, 2022-2024

The Commission reported to the Archbishops every six months during their three-year period of activity, making recommendations to help the Archbishops fulfil their commitments to identify, respond to, and root out systemic racism in the Church. It is envisaged that their role of scrutiny, accountability and positive challenge will be provided in the future by an external Racial Justice Panel chaired by a senior and independent person

The 11 Commission members, under the chairmanship of Lord Boateng, brought together a remarkable range of experience and expertise within and beyond the church. Members included specialists in areas such as Theology & Racial Justice; Ecclesiology & Liturgy; Formation & Theological Education and History & Politics.

Find out more about the commissioners and staff for the Racial Justice Commission.

Contact us

If you have any questions or would like to get in touch, please contact: 

• The Racial Justice Unit – [email protected]