Churches and Christian organisations from across Britain came together to host a service at Southwark Cathedral, south London, on 22 June 2023 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Windrush.
Watch a recording of the service above or via the CTBI YouTube channel.
Photos of the service and walk of witness
There are a great selection of photos of the walk of witness and service on Flickr.
Photo: Eve Milner
Order of service
Please download the order of service to follow along with the service:
Windrush Order of Service (PDF)
Service details
The service was an opportunity to remember the (ongoing) struggle of the Windrush generation and celebrate their successes and the way they have revitalised this country. Finally, the service encouraged the younger generation to build on the successes of their forebears, urging them to tell these stories to their generation.
One of the service’s organisers, Richard Reddie, Director of Justice and Inclusion for Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, said: ‘This service is an opportunity for this country to reflect on the humungous contributions that the Windrush generation have made to Britain over the years, despite the racism they faced. These men and women were pioneers, and those who are their descendants, stand on the shoulders of giants.’
A number of key community leaders, senior Church figures and politicians have been invited to the service, and there will also be a delegation of Church leaders from across the Caribbean who will add an international dimension to the gathering. The church service itself will be an eclectic mix of preaching, poetry, prayers, choirs and soloists. One of its key aspects will be the involvement of the younger generation; students from local schools will be participating in the act of worship, while the service’s final segment will be led by some of the younger voices in the Black church.
Richard Reddie adds: ‘We want to make sure that our younger people are affirmed and given the opportunity to take up the baton from those who have carried it so well over the years. This service will see these amazing younger voices telling the Windrush story for their generation, and there is little doubt they will do it well.’
Premier Christianity Magazine – Windrush 75 Edition
June’s isue of Premier Christianity Magazine focusses on the 75th anniversary of Windrush and was guest edited by Richard Reddie, Director of Justice and Inclusion at Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI).
You can view the contents online or subscribe for a print edition.
BBC Radio 4 Prayer for the Day
Richard Reddie, Director of Justice and Inclusion for Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI), provided a spiritual comment and prayer on 10 June 2023 reflecting on the Windrush anniversary. Please see BBC Radio 4 Prayer for the Day.
