This weekend our cathedrals marked Racial Justice Sunday with the re-release of a programme of perspectives, prayers, music and Bible readings on the theme of racial justice, that was launched last September.
The programme, led by Bradford Cathedral, re-launched on Sunday February 14, and draws together material that has been significant since the 2020 summer of protest, including Joshua Luke Smith's rap on racism and the great West Indian fast bowler Michael Holding's interview on Sky.
In the service there are short addresses by Bishop Nick, Bishop Tony Parry (New Testament Church of God) and Professor Udy Archibong, Professor of Diversity at the University of Bradford.
Musical items include ‘Something Has to Break’ from the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship,
recorded live in June last year at ‘InterVarsity Live!’; and ‘It Is Enough’, sung by Pastor R. DeAndre Johnson, a piece originally written in 2016 at the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castille, but now a hymn used as a song of lament for all black sons and daughters who have been harmed and vilified by the justice system.
There are also prayers and biblical texts read by adults and children from across the three cathedrals.
The service has been designed to be used by individuals and churches, and could include a Zoom discussion afterwards.
A further reading list of three books, for further discussion, is included at the close of the service.
The Dean of Bradford Cathedral, the Very Revd Jerry Lepine, said: "2020 shone a light on a shocking aspect of human existence.
“Racism is insidious and runs deep.
“Many of us have been challenged to think far more profoundly about it than before.
“This programme has been made to challenge, provoke, inspire and bring us closer to God's vision for a healed humanity.
“And yes, to speak up and act as well.
“It is offered by the cathedrals as a gift to the diocese."
The service will be available to watch until Sunday 28th February 2021.
You can watch the Racial Justice service via the Bradford Cathedral website, YouTube channel and Facebook page, on Sunday February 14 from 9am.
All the links are available here.
You can find out more about ‘Racial Justice Sunday’ by clicking here.