30/01/2023
The Church is delighted to announce that the Revd Dr Sharon Prentis has been appointed as Deputy Director of the Racial Justice Unit.
This is a hugely important area of work for the Church, and we are delighted that Sharon will be bringing her innumerable skills, expertise, and wisdom to this new role and the work on racial justice in the Church. Sharon just concluded her role as the Dean of Ministry at St Mellitus College in the East Midlands and Mission Enabler and Dean of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Affairs in the Diocese of Birmingham and is a uniquely gifted leader, theologian, missioner, and pastor with experience of many parts of the church. She will commence her duties in early April.
The Revd Guy Hewitt, Director of Racial Justice, was ‘elated’ in his confirmation that “someone as experienced, erudite, and passionate about God and his people as Sharon has joined the Church’s racial justice team. I believe that the Church is at an inflection point and Sharon will help us move from word to deed, from lament to action.”
The Ven Rogers Govender, Chair of The Committee for Minority Ethnic Anglican Concerns (CMEAC) and Dean of Manchester Cathedral, ‘welcomed’ the appointment noting that “we have worked together in the past and she is a good addition to the new team and will enhance with broad work undertaken by CMEAC in tackling racism and the full inclusion of UKME people in the ministry and mission of the Church.”
The Revd Russell Winfield, Dean of St Mellitus College, ‘rejoiced’ “at what Sharon will bring to the work of the Racial Justice Unit in seeking to make important and tangible steps to address the Church’s call as the richly varied and multi-faceted community of Christ.”
Sharon writes: “I look forward to serving the Church in this vital area of mission and ministry. As someone who has lived and worked in a range of diverse communities and organisations, my heart is to see the Church embrace the whole people of God so that everyone can fully participate in what God is calling them to be at this time. As Christ's followers, we are all called to promote racial justice.”
The Rev Dr Sharon Prentis will be start in April.