Responding to the Call for Racial Justice

A Message from the Bishops’ Leadership Team:

As a Diocese, we continue to take steps in response to the call for racial justice, rooted in our commitment to being a Church where all people are valued, seen and able to belong. 

Recently, members of the Bishops’ Leadership Team engaged in anti-racism conversations, modelling that this work is not for a few but for all of us. Creating spaces where we can listen, reflect and grow together is a key part of our journey towards a more just and inclusive Church. 

This visible commitment sends a strong message that engaging with issues of race, identity and belonging is a shared responsibility at every level of leadership. It reflects what we have heard clearly from Global Majority Heritage colleagues: the need for leadership to show openness, humility, and a willingness to learn.

Engaging in these conversations isn’t about having all the answers, but an invitation to be open, to explore, to learn, to notice the ways in which our experiences differ and to consider how we can each play a part in shaping a Church where everyone can truly feel at home.

Bishop David shares this message:

“Racial justice is not about ticking boxes, nor is it sorting things out when they go wrong, it’s about how we truly see and acknowledge the likeness of Jesus Christ in people who look different from ourselves. It’s about building trust, where past harms have sown suspicion; it’s about discovering and valuing the gifts inherited by those of different ancestry. This means it’s a lifelong commitment for all of us, however diverse or monochrome our own local or work community may be. A commitment that will make us stronger in our mission and ministry, more fit to serve all the people of our dioceses.“

Bishop David’s message invites us to pause, reflect, and recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of justice, grounded in faith and community.

We encourage our parishes to take part in the anti-racism training and conversations as part of your ongoing life and ministry. The Racial Justice Team is here to support you on this journey – please email racialjustice@manchester.anglican.org if you would like to arrange some sessions, and look out for training dates coming soon. Further information and resources are available in the Racial Justice section of our website.