Displaying items by tag: racial equality

The Church of England is defending its appointment of 'racial justice enablers' to tackle racial inequality and 'white fragility’, amid criticism that it might alienate worshippers. In Birmingham and York, these positions focus on addressing issues like deconstructing whiteness and unconscious bias. The Rev Guy Hewitt, head of the church’s Racial Justice Unit, underscores the gospel's call to confront racism, while critics like Rev Dr Ian Paul argue the approach could create more division, reflecting American cultural conflicts. The initiative has broad support within church synods, though some parishioners have expressed concern over resource allocation. These roles are part of a wider effort to make the Church more inclusive and tackle racism. Church leaders stress the importance of addressing the sin of racism and its impact, aligning with the Church's mission to be a church for all tribes and nations.

Rt Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin, the Church of England’s first black female bishop, is concerned that a Government’s report on race and ethnic disparities said that the success of the ethnic minority population in education and economy is a model for other white-majority countries. The Bishop said that we will be an example when black people are not just sweeping floors, cleaning, and catering in establishments, but sitting around every table and in leadership in all walks of life. ‘There are serious issues around that report if it is telling us we are now a model country.’ The report, commissioned after the Black Lives Matter movement began, said there was no evidence of institutional racism in the UK: rather, geography, family influence, socio-economic background, culture, and religion all impact life chances more than racism. Many say the report was culturally deaf and out of step with public opinion.