Exploring Unconscious Bias

Last week, Archdeacon Karen Best and Diane Gray-Stephenson, Racial Justice Programme Lead, facilitated sessions on unconscious bias in one of our parishes. These conversations invited attendees to explore how unconscious bias shapes our perceptions and decisions and how, through awareness, we can begin to overcome it.

This work is part of a wider commitment to racial justice: creating communities where all of God’s people can flourish and ensuring our clergy and lay leaders reflect the rich diversity of our diocese. Diane explains more:

“Archdeacon Karen and I had the joy of leading conversations on unconscious bias last week – why we all have it, how it shapes us, and how much we grow when we explore it together.

“The room was so open, thoughtful, and brave. People shared, listened, reflected, and created a space that felt safe and genuinely human. Every time I facilitate these sessions, I’m reminded of something simple but true: we have far more in common than we often realise. When we show up with curiosity and compassion, we understand one another in deeper, more meaningful ways.

“Thank you to all who engaged so thoughtfully. Let’s carry this work forward continuing to learn and act toward a future marked by equity, dignity, and shared flourishing.”

These conversations sparked real commitments to change. Here are a few reflections from those who attended:

• “Be more open and welcoming to the stranger in our midst, not only to those who look and speak like us.”
• “Listen, reflect and then respond with more deliberation about how my response might be received.”
• “Try not to assume anything about a person by appearances.”

These insights remind us that unconscious bias isn’t something we can eliminate overnight but by acknowledging it and engaging with humility, we take meaningful steps toward justice and inclusion.