20/04/2023
Dioceses, parishes and other Church networks are being invited to submit applications for funding to help implement the recommendations of a landmark report into racial justice in the Church of England.
A newly-formed panel approved by the Archbishops’ Council will decide on grants to fund work aimed at ensuring the recommendations of From Lament to Action, the report of the Archbishops’ Anti-Racism Task Force, become a reality.
This weekend (April 22) marks the second anniversary of the publication of the report, which called for action in the Church of England on racial justice in five priority areas of participation, governance, training, education and young people. The report was released on Stephen Lawrence Day.
Bids are being invited for grants for work over the next three years to help implement the report’s recommendations.
Organisations and groups eligible to apply include dioceses, National Church Institutions, and ethnocultural networks such as the Anglican Minority Ethnic Network (AMEN) and the Teahouse, a Chinese heritage group.
The funding available includes small grants of up to £5,000 that will be fast-tracked for deaneries, parishes, and other local groups to encourage innovative projects and good practice.
The Church of England’s Racial Justice Director Guy Hewitt said: “The implementation of the recommendations of From Lament to Action is crucial if the Church is to live up to its mandate of truly being the body of Christ, and as stated in the report, where the gifts of all its people flourish to the full for the benefit of the Church, the nation, and the greater glory of God.”
An application form and guidance notes are available. Enquiries can be sent to [email protected].
(Photo shows representatives from church groups and dioceses gathered for the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination last month at the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool)