This year marks the 30th anniversary of Racial Justice Sunday in Britain and Ireland. It was established following the murder of Stephen Lawrence in London in 1993. The purpose of RJSIS is to consider ways in which we can:
- Reflect on the importance of racial justice
- Give thanks for human diversity
- Commit to ending racism and discrimination
- Engage in the fight for racial justice
There have been a various number of themes covered in recent years including:
- Racial Justice - What has it got to do with me?
- All are included in the mission of Christ and the Church
- Seeing one another in the life of the Church
The theme for this year focuses on ‘Coat of Many Colours’ celebrating the increasing diversity within the churches in Britain and Ireland and the ongoing work to effect real racial equity in church and society.
Resources included for use are from Churches Together in Britain & Ireland. The resources highlight that both the Old Testament, or the Hebrew Bible, and the New Testament are replete with references to diversity in this world and the Kingdom to come. One only has to reflect on verses that speak of a ‘house of prayer for all nations’ (Isaiah 56:7), the events of Pentecost (Acts 2) or the ‘multitude … from every nation’ (Revelation 7:9-17), which all include words meaning ‘every tribe and nation’, to see that ethnic diversity is part of God’s divine plan.
The link for the whole publication which includes reflection from UKME/GMH church leaders and resources can be found here.
The link for Church of England Liturgical Resources can be found here.
May God guide us to be untied through Christian love and unity so that we can recognise that all were made in Gods image:
"So, God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." Genesis 1:27:
Blessings,
Neil Masih
Intercultural Mission Enabler