Race and ethnicity
The Diocese of St Albans acknowledges past shortcomings and is working towards being a generous community of justice and equality, committed to seeing the image of God in every person, irrespective of background, race and ethnicity. We strive to be generous in our love of others as we work towards ending misunderstanding, racism and injustice to create flourishing communities.
We are committed to becoming a family of churches, schools and chaplaincies within which all can flourish. Within this we are dedicated to advancing the participation of those of Global Majority Heritage / UK Minority Ethnic Heritage; to making sure that those voices are fully heard; to becoming a consciously inclusive Diocese that fully reflects the diversity of its population; and to ensuring that clergy and laity of any background can minister anywhere in the Diocese without discrimination or hindrance.
“…There is neither Jew nor Greek ..for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28
Resources on race and ethnicity
- Racial Justice Action Group – working to advance the participation of those of Global Majority Heritage / UK Minority Ethnic Heritage within the Diocese.
- Racial Justice Charter – charter for the Diocese of St Albans 2022
- Racial Equality Policy – policy for the Diocese of St Albans 2005 (this policy is currently being updated)
- The Committee for Minority Ethnic Anglican Concerns (CMEAC) – Church of England on race and ethnicity
- Racial Justice Unit – Church of England group for greater racial justice and equality
- From Lament to Action – report from the Anti-racism task force 2021
- Racial Justice in the Church of England – General Synod report 2021
- Equality and Human Rights Commission – Promoting and upholding equality and human rights ideals and laws across England, Scotland and Wales
- Racial Justice Sunday – liturgical resources from the Church of England
- Black History Month – liturgical resources from the Church of England
- Songs2serve – A collection of songs that helps shape intercultural worship in churches so all can meet with God in their own language.
Compassionate God, who sent Jesus Christ to deliver us from all manner of injustices and inequalities, create in us new hearts and enlarged visions, to see the image of God in every person irrespective of background, race and ethnicity. May we be generous in our love of others as we work towards ending misunderstanding, racism and injustice; creating communities of human flourishing, through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
A prayer for Black History Month
Lessons learnt review
Following an incident related to the possible appointment of a curate to a title post, the diocese commissioned a Lessons Learnt Review, which was carried out by Dawn Lewinson. This review contains 30 Actions and 46 Recommendations covering the broadest range of diocesan activity. The Review was considered and received by Bishop’s Council on 13 July 2021 and remitted to the Racial Justice Action Group (RJAG) for Action.
