The Archbishops’ Commission for Racial Justice has published the results of a six-month study, examining and exploring the lived experiences of Global Majority Heritage (GMH) and UK Minority Ethnic (UKME) people in the Church of England. The findings and recommendations from the study, titled Behind the Stained-Glass, are available here.
Responding to its publication, the Rt Revd Canon Dr Anderson Jeremiah, Bishop of Edmonton and lead Bishop for Racial Justice in the Diocese of London, said:
“Behind the Stained-Glass holds a mirror to the reality of GMH/UKME people in the Church of England – I can recognise myself in a number of the stories it tells.
“It is further evidence of why racial justice must be an ongoing priority for the Church. The study rightly acknowledges the significant steps that have already been taken to tackle this systemic and significant challenge, but more work is needed. Here in London, we are committed to creating a safe and equitable church – whether in ministry, vocation or administration. This work requires time, effort and resource.
“That is why we are in the process of developing and implementing robust policies and practices within vocation and discernment, to encourage representation and participation from all backgrounds and church traditions in the Body of Christ. We are also working through a reporting racism process and have recently introduced an innovative new support service for GMH/UKME clergy experiencing racial trauma, Healing Together.”
Work in this area is led by Bishop Anderson as Lead Bishop for Racial Justice and the Racial Justice Priority Group, which was set up to provide strategic oversight and act as a steering group that supports the Diocese of London in taking forward the ‘racially just’ priority area of its 2030 Vision.
