Earlier this year, Ben Hammond was announced as Racial Justice Officer for the Diocese, a new role that has been created together with, and funded by, the Racial Justice Unit as part of the Church of England’s commitment to become an actively anti-racist Church. The position will run for an initial three-year term and forms a key part of a wider diocesan network that includes the Racial Justice Action Group (RJAG).
Ben shares his initial hopes and vision for the role and work:
“Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done – on earth as in heaven”. As the Church, this forms part of our mission – to see God’s Kingdom come on earth. This means living out God’s goodness and justice, including racial justice.
“My desire to see God’s kingdom come powerfully in all parts of our society – including in the area of racial justice – is part of what drew me to this role.
“My personal hope is that the Church in our diocese can begin to reflect the diversity in our diocese by addressing racially unjust barriers. Not in the name of tokenism, but because the Kingdom of God and His Church is for all.”
Building a culture of racial equity and justice
“One answer for ensuring a culture of racial equity and justice is to increase GMH (Global Majority Heritage) and UKME (UK Majority Ethnic) participation both in leadership and across the life of the Diocese. This takes a step towards organic and lasting change.
“A focus for us at the moment, consequently, are our pathways to leadership. We need to find where there are barriers for GMH and UKME groups and remove them.”
A key part in the early stages of this work is going to be a comprehensive audit designed to identify barriers experienced within leadership pathways. Following the audit will be a set of recommendations and actions to ensure fairer access to leadership roles.
Some progress is already being made. The Alban Way, a discipleship programme for young adults, had 25% GMH participants last year, and has an increasing number of GMH leaders. Alongside this, the Diocese is improving diversity monitoring and launching a grants scheme to support racial justice initiatives.
Another recent appointment is that of the Revd Kathryn Alford to the role of Chair of the Racial Justice and Action Group. Kathryn brings a wealth of experience from her parish ministry and previous leadership in diversity and inclusion within Government. Kathryn shared:
“I’m really glad to be working alongside Ben in this role, as well as the Revd Jairo Nyaongo, the Bishop’s Adviser for Minority Ethnic Concerns, and the other dedicated members of RJAG, as we shape this work together.
“My hope is that the Group will act as a catalyst for diocesan-wide change, addressing structural and cultural barriers that limit whose voices are heard and whose leadership is recognised, and helping our churches and diocesan bodies better reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. I believe this work is not just morally important, but a kingdom imperative, central to how we seek to live out the gospel together.”
An invitation to the whole church
Ben emphasised that racial justice cannot be delegated to a single team:
“Racial justice is the work of the whole Church. It needs everyone.”
Alongside regular prayer and participation where you are in your local contexts, there are several opportunities throughout the year for you to engage with, including dates, events and actions you can take:
Racial Justice Sunday
Taking place this Sunday, 8 February, offering space for prayer, reflection, and thanksgiving for the diversity of God’s creation. Use this page for more ideas and resources, and you may choose to use this Collect for Racial Justice Sunday:
Merciful God,
you are righteous and love justice:
stir the hearts of your people that,
rejoicing in our diversity,
we may repent of the wrongs of the past,
and, by your grace, seek the peaceable kingdom of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
International development agency Christian Aid has been working with Kenyan musician Pete Odera for a song to mark Racial Justice Sunday. The single, entitled Your Great Name, is part of an initiative to raise the profile of black Christians in the climate justice movement. The song will be released this weekend (we will update this page when it is available), however a song released for Racial Justice Sunday 2024 is currently available here with some background and further reading.
Youthscape Youth and Faith Research Community
Taking place on Friday 27 February 2026 at Youthscape in Luton, this event will focus on the intersection of far-right political movements and racial justice with guest speaker Professor Robert Beckford. The gathering will centre particularly on the realities faced by young people of colour, encouraging reflection on the pressures, narratives, and challenges these young people encounter. Youthscape’s Centre for Research is hosting this event, an annual gathering for youth workers, ministers, and those supporting young people. Find out more here.
Those from the Diocese who wish to attend are offered a free place at this event which is taking place on Friday 27 February at the Youthscape building in Luton from 09:30 – 17:00. Please email Ben if you are interesting in attending.
Listening survey
An upcoming survey will help the team understand more about the perspectives of a wide variety of people from across our diocese on racial justice. Please be watching for the launch of this important listening process, which will help enable the voices of our diverse diocese to be heard.
Black History Month
Coming in October this year will be an opportunity for churches to celebrate the rich heritage and stories of Black communities. There will be resources, prayers and events to engage with as the time approaches.
Ben invites each of us to join with him in prayer and participation as the work unfolds:
“Racial justice is about God’s justice – about God’s vision for a good Church and a good world. Please pray for this work, and ask God how you can seek His justice in your own context.”