You can listen again to the ecumenical service for Racial Justice Sunday, organised by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI), that was broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in its Sunday Worship slot on 13 February 2022.
The service, which took place at the historic St Nicholas’ (St Nics) Church of England Church in Durham, England, featured contributions from across the four nations, reflecting CTBI’s remit to engage across the various Christian traditions and denominations, to mark the annual racial justice event.
Racial Justice Sunday which began in 1995, following the brutal murder of Black teenager Stephen Lawrence in 1993, is seen as an opportunity for churches to remember, reflect and respond to racism and inequality in church and society. For over 20 years, CTBI has taken the lead in encouraging British and Irish churches to mark this anniversary, and this year produced detailed Racial Justice Sunday resources that were designed to connect with those who have previously not engaged with this issue.
Richard Reddie, Director of Justice and Inclusion for CTBI, and one of the service’s organisers says:
‘Churches Together in Britain and Ireland has had a long and distinguished history in the struggle for racial justice, and it was a pleasure to work with St Nic’s, the academic Mark Sturge and the BBC to deliver a service that speaks into the real need to address the inequality and injustice that still plagues church and society. Racial justice is everyone’s business! It’s not solely for congregations located in uber-diverse settings, but for anyone who shares God’s heart for justice. It is my hope that our service enables congregations to start the journey to justice.’
The service, which was broadcast on the BBC’s flagship worship programme, featured contributions from Dr Damian Jackson from the Irish Council of Churches, Revd Mandy Ralph from the Church of Scotland and Dr Frankie Asare Donkoh from the Racial Justice Network in Wales. It was introduced by Dr Nicola Brady, CTBI’s General Secretary, who took up her new role in early January of this year.
Nicola adds: ‘The coming together of churches from across these islands to support the work of racial justice through prayer and action is a powerful demonstration of solidarity. We hope that it will be a support and encouragement to those who are experiencing marginalisation and barriers to belonging, and a sign of hope for all.’
The Revd Canon Arun Arora, who leads St Nics, gave the homily at a service which was based around the CTBI’s Racial Justice Sunday resources. The service also included musical contributions from the St Nic’s worship group and the Durham University Gospel Choir, while the multi-ethnic congregation that consisted of students and alumni from nearby Durham University, joined in the singing of justice-themed hymns and worship songs.
Revd Canon Arun Arora said:
‘It was an honour for St Nics to be approached by CTBI to host this service. We are delighted to be playing our part in marking this special Sunday, as part of a national broadcast service involving participants from all four nations as well as those based in the Northeast.
‘One of the core messages of the Gospel is that Jesus speaks of a God of Justice, who is to be found alongside all those who experience injustice. It’s a message of hope for those who have experienced the degradation of racial injustice and a call to action for all who would fight against the pernicious evil of racism in our society.
‘It was a joy to be able to partner with so many people in a common cause at the recording of the service, with moving stories, inspirational prayers and fabulous music. We were delighted to be able to represent the best of England from here in Durham.’
You can listen to the service on the BBC Radio 4 Sunday Worship website and also on BBC Sounds.
For further information, please contact Richard Reddie, Director of Justice and Inclusion at Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI).
