Racial Justice Sunday will be marked on the 9th February. It is an opportunity for all churches to reflect on the importance of racial justice, the beauty of human diversity, and to commit to end racism and discrimination.
This year the theme is, ‘Coat of Many Colours’, reflecting the increasing diversity that exists in the churches in Britain and Ireland.
The Revd Folli Olokose will be preaching at a special Racial Justice Sunday service at Guildford Cathedral along with Bishop Paul. We interviewed him on what Racial Justice Sunday means to him and how churches can embrace the increasing racial diversity in their communities. The Revd Folli Olokose is the Lead Area Director of Ordinards for Kensington in the Diocese of London.
Why is it important to mark Racial Justice Sunday, and what can people expect from the service on February 9th?
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It would be great if we didn’t need a particular day to discuss race. However, Racial Justice Sunday is important as a way of reminding us all of the pains of injustice in the past as we prayerfully look to the future. For the service on Sunday, I want to focus on what unites us all and going forward with love for one another. Each of us is made in the image of God, and I pray for a better future when we will no longer need to remind ourselves that we are all part of the same race.
Why does representation matter?
- It is not just representation that matters, it is also the full participation of the whole people of God in the service and Kingdom of God. We need to value them as church members and as leaders. If you are a White person with a White child, you may pause before deciding to send your child to a school were all the pupils are Black or Asian. You may worry whether they would fit in. That is the same consideration for UKME/GMH people when they come into our churches. They may ask themselves if they will be accepted, will they see those who look or speak like them, and will they be integrated into the body of the church.
- There has been important action here in the diocese and in the national church but there is more to be done. It’s not just about numerical participation, it’s about creating a level playing field for UKME/GMH people to flourish in the church environment, express themselves fully and contribute their skills, experience and faith. For churches, that means not just doing things the way they’ve always been done. We need to give space and latitude for difference. After all, in the multitude of Heaven, everyone will find their room.
We are encouraging parishes to recommit to the principles of the Racial Justice Covenant. Why is tackling racism and discrimination a ‘missional imperative’?
- Tackling racism is not just a "missional imperative;" it is a Kingdom imperative. Jesus said, "Go into the world and make disciples of all nations." If we are serious about obeying this command, then we must not only remove prejudice and bias but also completely eradicate anything that prevents the whole people of God from worshipping and belonging to the Flock of our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
- Another interesting reason to tackle racism is that it leads not only to an intercultural church but also intergenerational churches. The UK is a very multicultural country. Newly arrived immigrants in particular are more likely to live in a home with multiple generations. If we want to grow our church membership, we must tackle racism.
What are some of the practical ways churches can provide welcome to people from minority backgrounds, and intentionally grow an intercultural church?
- I would like to suggest three key areas. The first is about creating an initial welcoming environment, welcoming environment, especially for GMH people, younger families, and newcomers. Our actions can determine whether they feel valued and want to return. That means having someone on the door who is outgoing and friendly and happy to be there. Some minority groups will already feel anxious about being accepted, so being greeted with enthusiasm will help put them at ease.
- The second area is the in-between. What happens during the service? How accessible is our worship? Do people feel included? At the end of the service, is anyone looking out for the newcomers? Will someone introduce them to the leaders, tell them about the baby and toddler group, the Small Group or the foodbank etc?
- The third area is the afterwards. Who will be in contact with them? Will someone notice if they have not been there? Will someone be able to invest in their spiritual wellbeing? Will they be invited to join a Small Group or be part of a working group or committee? Will there be parts of the songs and liturgy in their native tongues? Will you hold events where people can share their heritage and cuisine? It can be very empowering to ask someone to share a bit about themselves and where they come from or ask them to pray about a concerning issue from their home country.
Like everyone else, GMH people want to be loved and valued. Our churches will grow to be intercultural and intergenerational when this is done.
How can church leaders help grow/encourage a more diverse leadership team?
- The first step is to know their congregation well. Jesus gave a good example in the way he selected and surrounded himself with the twelve disciples. Each of the disciples brought something to the team. They were all different, but Jesus gave all of them a chance. In the same way, we should not surround ourselves with only those who look like us, think like us, or even pray in the way we pray.
- A good leader should be investing time and energy into developing a diversity of future leaders who will pick up the mantle. That might mean giving them information on the rules and regulations so they can navigate leadership and governance. It could be as simple as even letting people know about a vacancy and encouraging them to apply. There isn’t always a clear career pathway in the church, so it takes senior leaders to purposefully pull others up.
What progress do you hope to see now and in the future when it comes to racial equality and celebrating diversity within the Church of England?
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Jesus' prayer for his disciples comes to mind here. In John 17, Jesus prayed that all his disciples would be one and love each other so that everyone would know they were His disciples. I long to see that day when we no longer need a Racial Justice Sunday. I long for that day when every man or woman will be seen, valued and accepted as Beloved Child of God. I long for that day when every echelon of our church structures will reflect the diversity of the whole people of God. I long for that when GMH people will no longer enter our churches with trepidation. I long for that day when the song of GMH people as they enter into our churches and chaplaincies will echo words from Psalm 100: 4, 'Enter His Gates with thanksgiving in my heart, I will enter His courts with praise, I will say this is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice for He has made me glad.' This will bring me so much joy and fulfilment and most importantly will gladden God’s heart.
Advice on building churches that are more representative of their communities can be found in the anti-racisim toolkit.