The Diocese of Guildford has appointed Umair Asif as its Racial Diversity Enabler. The role will be key in driving the strategic vision of encouraging churches, schools and all diocesan structures to reflect the diversity of their communities.
The new role, which is funded by the national Racial Justice Unit, will be part of the diocese’s Mission Enabler Team, to ensure the work is fully embedded into the wider, ongoing support and development that parishes receive.
Umair started the role on 28 April having previously worked as the Operations Manager at St Paul’s Church, Slough. While there, he helped the Diocese of Oxford reshape its approach to intercultural mission and training. Working alongside a leading figure in the Church of England, The Rt Revd Dr Tim Wambunya, Umair helped to establish the Anglican Network of Intercultural Churches (ANIC).
Umair was born in Pakistan and relocated to the UK with his family over 20 years ago.
Improving racial diversity and representation across the Diocese of Guildford is part of the diocese’s strategy to grow diversity and a key commitment in response to the From Lament to Action report, and has shaped the diocesan vision for a ‘diverse, growing, intergenerational church at the heart of each community.’
This progress has included the creation of an anti-racism toolkit which has been widely promoted, as well as a Racial Justice Covenant which encourages parishes, churches and chaplaincies to make a public commitment to racial equality and celebrating diversity.
Umair will be a member of the Diocese’s Racial Diversity Advisory Group which is chaired by Bishop Paul. Key areas of his responsibility will be developing and raising awareness of training materials for churches to improve their welcome of UKME/GMH people and encouraging more UKME/GMH people to take up leadership roles and to increase the racial diversity of those exploring lay and ordained ministry.
Speaking of his appointment Umair said:
“I am excited to be taking on this role and to work collaboratively across the diocese to help nurture a culture that truly reflects the richness of our communities. I hope to bring my passion for inclusion, experience in intercultural ministry and commitment to enabling others into this new chapter. Encouraging greater diversity at every level of church life is essential to our witness and our identity as the body of Christ.”
Bishop Paul who chairs the Racial Diversity Advisory Group said:
“Umair brings a wealth of valuable experience which will help us build on the Diocese’s strong commitment to improving racial diversity. From Lament to Action ‘is a call to arms against the evil and pernicious sin of racism’ within the church. That has galvanised the Diocese to actively work towards creating a more just and inclusive environment that welcomes all of God’s people into our churches and into leadership.”
Mat Ineson, Mission Enabler Team Lead said:
“Umair will play a pivotal role in enhancing racial diversity across congregations, lay and ordained leadership and diocesan staff and leaders, encouraging and supporting people from UKME and GMH backgrounds to be involved at every level of church ministry. As part of the Mission Enabler Team, Umair will be working directly with parishes through the Parish Needs Process and consultancy as well as designing and delivering workshops and training.”