The killing of George Floyd in May 2020 once again brought to the forefront of our minds the violence and racism inherent in our political, economic and social systems. As a leadership team, we have been deeply saddened by this. It has caused us to reflect deeply on the issue of racial injustice in our own country and context. Gen 1:26 captures the Judeo-Christian conviction that we are all made in the image of God. There is no place for racism of any kind, at any time.

We recognise God’s Spirit is available to everyone, regardless of race. We feel a burden to listen and speak out. This issue must drive us deeper into the gospel of Jesus Christ and into the story of the one who died and rose again, in order to destroy the walls of hostility. Jesus ushers in a new era of peace and so we stand in solidarity with all people of colour as we join God in the renewal of all things.

We apologise for any hurt felt within our own community for our lack of attention to this issue in the past. We also recognise there are ways we need to learn how to lead our own community going forward by examining our biases and the ways we fail our black brothers and sisters and all people of colour. We are committed to playing our part in actively seeking radical change on this issue. Please join us in prayer and let’s contribute towards a different future in the power of God’s Spirit and in line with the way of Jesus.

– Stephen (on behalf of our Church Leadership)

 

Resources for the journey

As we take steps into exploring racial justice as a church family, we come in humility, acknowledging that there is much to learn. We want to be active in stepping into this space and commit to listening and learning from each other.

We want to celebrate the contributions of Black British and Black African children of God across the UK, sharing resources, reflecting and discussing on racial justice and equality and looking to God to help us see His love through our community.

 

Listen

Black Berea podcast

Black is King – Black Berea podcast

A discussion about the recently released “Black Is King” visual album by Beyonce, offering thoughts on the themes in the musical film and how Christians should engage with the rise of African spiritually.

Listen on Spotify
Listen on Apple Podcasts

Agu Irukwu

‘A response to the tragic death of George Floyd’ – Pastor Agu.

A helpful response from a significant leader in the UK church.

Watch here

Racism Conversation Pt 1&2 – Hackney Church.

An anglican church in London discussing issues of racism in the UK and our response as Christians

Watch here – Part 1
Watch here – Part 2

About Race with Reni Eddo-Lodge 

Featuring key voices from the last few decades of anti-racist activism, About Race with Reni Eddo-Lodge looks at the recent history that lead to the politics of today.

Listen on Spotify
Listen on Apple Podcasts

Become The Bridge – Steven Furtick & John Gray

Two prominent church leaders in the US discussing why the church has been silent on racism and explain that honest conversation is crucial … even if it’s imperfect.

Watch here

 

 

Watch

Sam Sharpe Lecture

The Sam Sharpe Lecture

The annual Sam Sharpe lecture was given by Bishop Wilton Powell.

Watch here

Conversations on race

Conversations on Race

A series of conversations on race from Kings Cross Church, London.

Watch here

Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man

A series that has been useful to many to start conversations and widen their views on racial issues.

Watch here

Love: A response to Racism

Ten8 (a Christian student organisation in Scotland)

Watch here

Just Mercy film

Just Mercy

The recent film adaptation of the book.

Rent here

 

Read

A Guide to Help you Respond to Racial Injustice

A helpful guide from Tearfund

Download here

Ayrshire minister reflects on Black History Month 

A Church of Scotland

Read here

Be the bridge

A Christian discussion guide for racial reconciliation

Download the guide

We Need to Talk About Race – Ben Lindsay

Understanding the black experience in white-majority churches

Buy the book

Just Mercy – Bryan Stevenson

A Christian and a civil-rights lawyer and the founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, a human-rights organization that challenges convictions, advocates for criminal-justice reform and racial justice

Buy the book

 

 

Families Resources

What is Justice? For kids!

Read here 

How to talk to your children about race and racism

Read here

How can we talk to our children and teens about injustice? 

Read here

Everyone a Child Should Know

An incredible book showing all different people whose faith drove them to do amazing things.

Buy the book

 

With only 7% of UK children’s books having characters from Black or other ethnic minority and only 4% having it as the ‘main’ character it is important to widen our children’s understanding of diversity and start being anti-racist with a diverse library.

We want to celebrate diversity in our lives and show it to our kids through books – here’s a few to get you started!

The Instagram account @amayahs_diversebooks is one of many working hard to shine a light on our growing collection of beautifully diverse children’s books.