And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8.
The Diocese of London is pleased to announce Dr. Lisa Adjei as the new Head of Racial Justice Priority.
This role will address systemic racial disparities by transforming culture and structures, encouraging inclusion, and supporting Global Majority Heritage (GMH) communities across the Diocese.
In response to From Lament to Action by the Archbishop’s Anti-Racism Taskforce, the Diocese committed to becoming a more racially just Church as part of its 2030 Vision. Specifically:
- Fostering a culture of love, fairness, equity, and justice
- Facilitating learning to understand the injustice of racism
- Breaking institutional barriers to engender race equality
- Truth-telling to confront the legacy of slavery and systemic racism
The Racial Justice Priority Group has led this work over four years, but greater coordination is now needed. Starting on 17 February, Lisa will lead these efforts full-time to enhance action across parishes, deaneries, and leadership structures.
Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London, said:
“If our vision is to reach every Londoner with the love of Christ in one of the most diverse cities on earth, then we need to root out and combat the evil of racism and racial injustice in all its forms.
I’m delighted to welcome Lisa to our Senior Leadership team. While she will be working especially closely with Bishop Anderson, Lead Bishop for Racial Justice, as well as the Racial Justice Priority Group, I can state categorically that I, along with the rest of the College of Bishops, are fully committed to the cause. Lisa will be given the freedom and authority to challenge and connect across the diocese so that racial justice runs through everything we do.”
Dr Lisa brings with her a wealth of experience to the role, most recently working with Christian Aid as their British Church Relations Manager, with a particular responsibility for Black Christians and Black Pentecostal Churches.
Lisa says: “I’m looking forward to starting this new role, working alongside others towards justice. I hope to bring a wealth of relationships and incredible global voices to the work that has already begun.”
Bishop of Edmonton and Lead Bishop for Racial Justice, Anderson Jeremiah added:
“This is a pivotal moment for the Diocese to renew our commitment to racial justice. Lisa’s impressive work with grassroots initiatives and large organisations, along with her dedication to justice, equity, and fairness, will energise our vision. Her appointment reflects our resolve to embed Gospel values in our Racial Justice Priority. I look forward to working with her to shape the next phase of our diocesan life.”
Poli Shajko, Director of People for the Diocese of London said:
“Lisa will use her exceptional communication and influencing skills to advance racial justice within our churches and public spaces. But this is not something that rests on Lisa’s shoulders alone. As a leadership, we remain committed to examine our culture, practices and policies to ensure the fundamental principles of equity, diversity and inclusion run through everything we do. I wish Lisa all the best with this new role and look forward to working with her.”