THE Church of England has launched an initiative to encourage stronger networking between clergy, ordinands, and lay ministers and leaders of Global Majority Heritage/UK Minority Heritage (GMH/UKME).
Revd Brunel James, a former vicar in our diocese who served in Cleckheaton, is now a member of the CofE’s Racial Justice Unit and explained how its purpose is to improve communication and encourage greater participation by GMH/UKME Anglicans.
“The network will both share information well and help to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion more widely,” Revd Brunel said.
The new network, part of the Racial Justice Unit, is intended to meet one of the recommendations in the Archbishops’ Anti-Racism Taskforce From Lament To Action, which called for more effective sharing of information, alongside data collection and monitoring, to help to understand and drive the changes needed in the Church.
The national Racial Justice team is also planning a conference in mid-October, to which network members will be invited “to come together, to identify issues of common concern; and coordinate our strategies”, he said. The event will be the first gathering since the establishment of the C of E’s racial-justice unit, and is part of a strategy of greater participation following the 2021 report.
To learn more about the network and join up with it if you wish, please click
The Racial Justice Unit is also inviting young people aged 18 - 25 of UKME/GM heritage to a conference at Christ Church, Oxford on Friday, September 1.
“It’s a free and expenses paid event in a gorgeous location and part of the church’s efforts to become younger and more diverse,” Revd Brunel said.
“We hope that clergy and others working with young people from diverse backgrounds might be able to pass the invitation on please.
“It would make a great conclusion to the summer holidays for young people before they go back to their studies.”
More details on the event may be found here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/find-your-voice-speak-up-for-your-generation-tickets-658253252197