Racial Justice Sunday is on February 8, and the Diocese of Leeds is engaging with the day and its themes.
Our diocesan Interns and Mission Apprentices have begun 2026 looking at mission and evangelism, and recently came together to hear the Rt Revd Arun Arora, Bishop of Kirkstall, teach on the Fourth Mark of Mission, about transforming unjust structures in society and the church.
Using scripture, stories of great faith-filled justice-pursuers and current news, Bishop Arun invited and encouraged them to reflect on how they can transform unjust structures in society, challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation, as individuals, communities, and churches.
Racial Justice Sunday was highlighted as an excellent opportunity for churches to engage with as part of their commitment to the Fourth Mark of Mission.
The Revd Simon Walters, Diocesan Intern Lead, said: “It was fantastic to bring together our 31 Interns and Mission Apprentices to hear such excellent teaching from Bishop Arun.
“A number of people around the room shared their own experiences of suffering injustice, and we were inspired by stories of reconciliation across divides.
“I can’t wait to hear stories of how God is at work as we go back to our churches, committed to play our part in transforming injustice in the name of Jesus.”
Racial Justice Sunday this year has the theme of ‘Love Your Neighbour.’
Bishop Arun, along with the Rt Revd Rosemarie Mallett, Bishop of Croydon and joint lead Bishop for Racial Justice in the Church of England, will be involved in the national church’s online service.
The Rt Revd Smitha Prasadam, Bishop of Huddersfield, will also be contributing to the service.
Churches Together in Britain and Ireland have also created resources to help churches mark Racial Justice Sunday.
The resources aim to help churches explore what it means to love our neighbour, especially given the current narratives of hostility, fear, suspicion and hatred of the other.
The resources include worship materials, readings, hymns, prayers, sermon ideas and reflections.
They also include activities and resources for congregations to respond and take actions based on what they have heard.
The Revd Wayne Simmonds, Diocesan Racial Justice Officer, said: “Racial Justice once again urges us as a church to ensure that we reflect, repent, and act against racism, creating an environment that reflects God's Kingdom, where all of God's children are welcome and flourish.
“So, as a people of God, our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, let us pause to think about racial injustice and what we can do to eradicate this sin from our church and, more so, our society.”
The resources can be found here.