We believe in the equality of all peoples and value the richness that comes with racial and ethnic diversity. Racism is a sin; as such we oppose racism in all its forms.
The time is right to bring the UKME community into sharper focus within the Church. Racial justice and inclusion is a critical priority for the Church of England and is committed to ensuring that our dioceses, clergy and volunteers reflect the communities we are called to serve.
To this end, the Archbishops’ Commission for Racial Justice has been mandated to drive ‘significant cultural and structural change on issues of racial justice within the Church of England’. Learn more about about the work we are doing across the Church to address racial injustice and to promote diversity and inclusion within the church and the wider society.
Black History Month
October marks the start of Black History Month in the UK, an occasion to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of black people to British economy, culture, and history. Join dioceses and parishes across the Church of England as we mark the month with events, services, exhibitions and more.
Current initiatives
Archbishops’ Racial Justice Commission
The purpose of the Commission is 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 is listening and learning from processes of participative engagement, and is considering detailed quantitative data and qualitative evidence, commissioning new research and inviting submissions where necessary and engaging with stakeholders and conversation partners across and beyond the Church.
Racial Justice funding
Applications are being invited for funding to help implement the recommendations of From Lament to Action, the report of the Archbishops’ Anti-Racism Task Force into racial justice in the Church of England. Learn about the initiative in this article.
Interested? Download the application form and guidance notes. Any enquiries can be sent to [email protected].
Register with the UKME/GMH communication network
The Church of England's Racial Justice team is seeking to mobilise all Global Majority Heritage (GMH)/UK Minoritised Ethnic (UKME) clergy, ordinands and lay ministers and leaders to join an ethnocultural communications network. Such networks form part of a wider governance, management, and change agenda to help promote equality, diversity, and inclusion. Learn more and register now.
Pioneers of Racial Justice
The struggle for racial justice remains a challenge. For centuries, campaigners have organised and undertaken important advocacy and educational work. In more recent times, courageous churchwomen and men, along with some organisations and dioceses, have stood up and stepped forward to inspire, organise, and support activities that reflect the biblical imperative towards oneness in Christ. Their efforts contributed much to the Church’s deepening commitment to racial equality, diversity, and inclusion. Pioneers today, Black, White, brown, and otherwise, continue the work of those who paved the way with their lives, witness, and work. We should honour them.
Nominations of individuals and groups that have significantly contributed to racial justice in the Church, in any time period, should be sent by 30 November 2023 along with a 200-500- word biography including their Church-related activities to [email protected]. A celebration of these pioneers is expected to take place in February 2024 to coincide with Racial Justice Sunday.
Contact us
If you have any questions, contact the Racial Justice Unit at [email protected].