The Bishop of Kirkstall, Arun Arora of our diocese, and the Bishop of Croydon, Rosemarie Mallett, have been appointed by the Archbishop of York and the Bishop of London as joint lead bishops for the Church of England on racial justice.
Their role will involve acting as advocates on racial justice throughout the Church of England, including promoting implementation of the recommendations of From Lament to Action, the landmark report from the Church of England’s Anti-Racism Taskforce.
Bishop Arun and Bishop Rosemarie will also serve as joint deputy chairs of the newly created Racial Justice Board, a committee of the Archbishops’ Council that will oversee its work on racial justice.
They will also attend the Racial Justice Panel, an external independent scrutiny body that will provide assurance that the work on racial justice is being carried out effectively, in accordance with agreed plans and best practice.
Their appointment comes after the General Synod voted to back the findings of the final report of the Archbishops’ Commission on Racial Justice ensuring crucial resources remain available for racial justice including a Racial Justice Board, Panel, and Lead Bishop.
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, said: “I warmly welcome and celebrate the appointment of Bishop Rosemarie and Bishop Arun as joint Lead Bishops for Racial Justice in the Church of England.
“Their leadership comes at a significant moment, as we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the 60th anniversary of the UN’s International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).
“This is a time to reflect on the progress made, to acknowledge the work still to be done and the challenges ahead, and to renew our commitment to eliminate racism.
“By standing together, we can continue to build a Church – and a society – where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness."
The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally said: “We are all made in the image of God. It is not just our duty to respond to every person with care and compassion, which it is, but our faith demands that we are seek justice and equity for all.
“Bishop Rosemarie and Bishop Arun have set an excellent example in their pastoral roles as bishops and in their work at a national level. I am delighted that they have been appointed to this role and offer my full support."
Bishop Arun said: “I am looking forward to working with Bishop Rosemarie in taking forward the continuing work of the Church in this Gospel work. As part of my Christian journey I have been inspired and shaped over decades by the dedication of followers of Jesus in their work for racial justice.
“Whether Martin Luther King or Desmond Tutu, Rosa Parks or Jemima Prasadam, Charlie Freer Andrews or Trevor Huddleston, each has pointed to Christ’s example in their discipleship. As co-lead bishop I look forward to continuing the journey that the Church of England has begun and following Christ's mission to celebrate a God of justice.”
Bishop Rosemarie said: “I am delighted to be appointed to assist leading the Church of England in its work to deepen our understanding and practice of racial justice, in parishes, diocese and in our church structures.
“Racial justice is at the heart of the gospel, as we seek to serve God, as people of all places and races - all unified by being created in God’s image and saved by the love of His Son Jesus Christ.
“There is a lot of good work being undertaken and our joint leadership roles will enable the Church to keep focused on working for a more racially just and equitable Church and society. I look forward to working in this collaborative role with Bishop Arun, as we seek to model partnership working."
Bishop Rosemarie is the lead Bishop on Social and Racial Justice in Southwark Diocese and led work on developing the Diocese of Southwark’s Anti-Racism Charter.
She is Chair of the Oversight Group for the Church Commissioners' work on African chattel enslavement and Reparatory Justice and is also the lead bishop representing the national church on the Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Trustee Board.
She served as an Equalities Commissioner for five years in Lambeth and currently acts as adviser to a Croydon community action project which is focused on reducing violence affecting young people. She also serves as Chair of the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education.
Bishop Arun was co-chair of the Archbishops’ Anti-Racism Taskforce, which produced the report From Lament to Action. The report, published in 2021, called for change in the Church of England after ‘decades of inaction’ on racial justice, setting out 47 specific actions for different arms of the Church of England to implement across five priority areas.
Bishop Arun is the author of Stick with Love, Rejoicing in every tongue, every tribe and every nation. He has served in a variety of parish contexts and has also served as Director of Communications for the Church of England and the Archbishop of York.