With Black History Month happening in October, the Church of England have shared a suite of resources to mark the month, including a video commissioned by the Rt Revd Smitha Prasadam, Bishop of Huddersfield.
These resources include reflections, prayers, liturgy and films.
The Revd Wayne Simmonds, new Diocesan Racial Justice Officer, said: “This year’s Black History Month beckons us to reflect on what it means to Stand Firm in Power and Pride.
“It is a call to recognise and honour the dignity, resilience, and outstanding contributions of Black communities across the length and breadth of the United Kingdom.
“As a church, it is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to justice and equality and to continue to create an environment where all of God’s children flourish.
“So, as we celebrate Black History Month let us use this great opportunity to celebrate all of God’s people who are fearfully and wonderfully created in God’s image.”
The Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover; the Rt Revd Dr Rosemarie Mallett, Bishop of Croydon; and the Ven Karen Best, Archdeacon of Manchester have written about their experiences of dealing with racism during their ministry and life, and what advice they would give to younger UKME people who may be considering ordained ministry.
Several films have also been prepared, which can be seen by people in parishes individually or collectively.
‘Visitor’ and ‘Chocolate Digestive’ are two short film monologues by the acclaimed West Yorkshire performer, poet, playwright, and rapper Testament, under the title ‘Testament to Truth’.
The videos speak to the presence of racism within the context of the church and the contemporary Christian experience.
These works, developed after extensive interviews into systemic and personal racism, were originally commissioned by the Leeds Church Institute and Bishop Smitha.
‘After the Flood: The Church, Slavery and Reconciliation’ addresses the historical neglect of African Chattel Enslavement in British Christian history and explores biblical principles for racial reconciliation in our churches today.
The Most Revd Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, recommended this “to Bible Study and other small groups to help reflect on the meaning of us being truly one in Christ.”
The resources also include a special prayer for use in church services throughout October, as well as a range of liturgical resources to help churches to mark the month, including services of the Word, a Eucharistic service, prayers of lament and commission, and additional resources for Bible studies, youth work, Messy Church, and music.
There are also reflections inspired by the Old Testament story of the sisters Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah, looking at learning from the past, living in the present, and sharing experiences to shape the future, written by the Revd Cathrine Ngangira, Priest in Charge at Boughton-under-Blean in the Diocese of Canterbury.
Please click here to find the Church of England’s resources.