There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3.28
Everyone who considers themselves to be a Christian disciple is open to the breath and the activity of the Holy Spirit, in which there is no division. All are one in Christ. The same Spirit calls us to transcend our differences and to welcome each other in our diversity.
in 2020, The Diocese of Manchester set up the Race, Inequality and Justice Group, which challenges us all to live out the Gospel of Christ and to be the holy people of God, set aside, and sanctified for the building of a spiritual kingdom where Christ reigns.
In our diocese, we have so many opportunities to grow away from the barriers of racism that are found in our society and Church.
Racism, alongside any other intentional form of marginalisation, is far from the vision of what the Church should be. In the Diocese of Manchester, we are committed to working together to call out racism where it exists in thought, word and deed.
This page serves as a resource providing information, guidance, links, and videos to help with the work of becoming One in Christ, which means we first have to be open to where we have fallen short through our biases, conscious and unconscious, as well as our prejudices towards global majority people.
Conversations about race and the Church
Watch the full playlist here: Conversations: Let's talk about race and the Church of England
This is a challenge that the Diocese of Manchester is committed to in order to bring about the vision of becoming One in Christ.
If you have suggestions for additions to this page, please contact Archdeacon Karen Lund, Chair of Diocese of Manchester Race, Inequality and Justice Group.
Suggested resources
Recommended reading: Ghost Ship by Azariah France-Williams
Church of England Minority Ethnic Mental Health Toolkit
A Million Colours
In 2022, to celebrate Black History Month, the Diocese of Manchester released ‘A Million Colours’ - a music video featuring children from Church of England schools across Greater Manchester.
‘A Million Colours’ was written by singer/songwriter pair Ni-Cola Jackson and Paul Saxon, and through its lyrics, the song conveys the message that everyone is equal before God and people of every colour are significant and loved. It challenges us to use our voices and speak up for people of all races and religions.
The video is part of a wider project called Shades, which aims to champion racial diversity and inclusion within schools in our diocese. The project aims to raise awareness, foster understanding of each other’s differences, and instil dignity and a sense of belonging for all children, young people and adults in our school communities.
MoSAIC
Movement of Supporting Anglicans for an Inclusive Church" Welcoming - Enabling - Resourcing
‘Who We Are’ - Journeying Together Campaigning for a Church of England where all find dignity and fullness of life. "The strength of the Anglican Church is found in its breadth, comprehensiveness, and inclusion" (Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral 1888) MoSAIC is a movement which campaigns for and models theological breadth, comprehensiveness, and inclusion.
The Revd Liz Rowles is the MoSAIC Convenor for Manchester Diocese. If you are interested in finding out more, then please contact her: revlizrowles@gmail.com.
Unconscious Bias Training
Information about Unconscious Bias can be found in this document:
What is Unconscious Bias and what are the benefits of training?
From Lament to Action
The report of the Archbishops' Anti-Racism Taskforce - April 2021. Download report