Photo: Miki Jourdan
Updated 29 August 2021.
George Floyd’s death has provoked a strong response around the world, and across churches and Christian organisations in Britain and Ireland.
Here we provide a round up of statements from the churches and a commentary from Bob Fyffe, former General Secretary of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI), who said now is the time to both reflect and act.
Richard Reddie, CTBI’s Director of Justice and Inclusion, also provides a reflection on the background to the fight for racial justice in the USA and Britain.
We are also showcasing contributions from some ‘new voices‘.
Young people on Black Lives Matter
As part of a competition, young people at a supplementary school in Croydon were asked to write about the Black Lives Matter movement. Teachers at the school were amazed at what they wrote.
Read what young people had to say.
Vocal reflection on Black Lives Matter
A vocal reflection on Black Lives Matter from the oldest elder at All Nations Church (Baptist) in south London.
Reflections on BLM during Black History Month
Watch these reflections on Black Lives Matter, recorded during Black History Month.
Everything the Light Touches is Yours
Deloris Carby, from All Nations Baptist Church in Clapham, reflects on finding our identity in Christ.
Black Lives Matter and the Future of Anti-Racism in Britain
Photo: Jason Hargrove
We are experiencing a perfect storm for the Black Lives Matter movement to capitalise on and be the catalyst for lasting and permanent change in society, argues Lyndon Mukasa.
Black Lives Matter – We Wear The Mask
Photo: Paul Lawrence Dunbar (US Library of Congress)
Beverley Hillman, from All Nations Baptist Church in Clapham, London, reflects on racism, Covid-19, the Grenfell and Windrush scandals, the murder of George Floyd, and Paul Laurence Dunbar’s poem, ‘We Wear the Mask’, written in 1896.
Read and listen to the reflection
Racial justice and Britain’s colonial past
Dr Velma McClymont explores ‘Complicity and Contrition: Codrington College, the Church of England, the City of London, Oxford University and the Royal Family’.
Exploring racial justice
Debbie Linton-Gordon from the All Nations Baptist Church in Clapham, London, shares her journey from Nottingham to London and her experiences of racial justice.
Let Us Stand – in response to murder of George Floyd
A poem written during lock down in response to the murder of George Floyd, by Jennifer Graham.
A message of Hope
An inspirational reflection on the coronavirus pandemic, written by a 12 year old girl called Aboyowa Dabor, from All Nations Baptist Church in Clapham.
Racial justice: time for reflection and action
Bob Fyffe, General Secretary of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI), reflects on the brutal killing of George Floyd and how CTBI will strive to give voice to those who now need to be heard as we work towards a really just, equal and inclusive society.
Churches speak out on racism
Photo: Victoria Pickering
Churches and Christian organisations across Britain and Ireland have issued statements following the death of George Floyd in the USA and the resulting protests around the world.
George Floyd: racism, protest and the need for action
Photo: Lorie Shaull
Richard Reddie, Director of Justice and Inclusion for Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI), reflects on the death of George Floyd and the quest for racial justice both in the USA and Britain.
