An Intercultural Celebration of Easter Sunday at St James, Moss Side

Diane Gray-Stephenson, Racial Justice Programme Lead, recently attended the Easter Sunday service at St James Church in Moss Side and found it to be both joyful and uplifting. Diane reflects on the experience and offers an insight into the church’s approach to welcoming and incorporating the cultures of their local community:

“From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the inclusive and intercultural nature of the worship, led by Revd Tom Studman, alongside the young people of the church.

“The service was rooted in Evangelical traditions, and was presented in a way that felt engaging, accessible, and full of life. The creative singing of the Gloria was particularly powerful and uplifting, capturing the joy and celebration of Easter in a way that stayed with me.

“The sermon was deeply moving. Tom shared replica pieces representing the thirty pieces of silver given to Judas as part of the agreement to betray Jesus. This visual and tactile element encouraged deep reflection on betrayal, forgiveness, and the radical hope found in the resurrection. The service concluded beautifully with a song presented by the Marathi  community in their own language, telling the story of Jesus’ resurrection and his call to the disciples to go out and spread the good news.

“What stood out most strongly throughout the service was the real sense of community. It did not seem to matter whether you were a regular worshipper, someone who came along occasionally, visited during the week, or offered your time and skills freely – everyone was welcomed and valued. The church’s commitment to care, hospitality, and pastoral support was evident in every aspect of the service, and it was a privilege to be part of such a community on Easter Sunday.”