Throughout October, members of the Transforming Prayer Community have been sharing reflections for Black History Month, a time dedicated to celebrating and reflecting upon the immeasurable contributions of Black people to British culture, history and society. Read the reflections below.
14th October 2024
Contributors: Tasha Turner, Shades School Worker, and Georgia Moore, Shades Youth Worker/Digital.
Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. Isaiah 1:17
Moral responsibility is not just our outward display of faith but also how we treat others. Isaiah is calling for the people of Judah to repent.
Acknowledging racial justice is not just about observing the injustice but proactively “calling people in” to seek a better understanding and recognise the role we play in society. Like Isaiah, can you use your voice so that those who cannot, will be heard?
During BHM (and beyond) think about those voices, raise up those who have been silenced, and whose stories have never been told, and celebrate the diversity we have been gifted.
How will you use your voice during Black History Month to seek justice?
21st October 2024
Contributor: Canon Dr Addy Lazz-Onyenobi, Licensed Lay reader, St Edmund's Church Whalley Range.
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Reclaiming narratives.
On reflection, what's the essence of Black History Month (BHM)?
A time to tell our stories and reclaim our narrative, to celebrate our differences, to reflect the reality of racism and systemic injustice and the strength and perseverance of Black people who have faced discrimination and racism and to challenge our biases both conscious or unconscious and come together as one body of Christ working together in our different functions.
Celebrating BHM to some, might be seen as separatist. That's far from it, though much of this month's events are affirming for ethnic minority communities, each different culture has something to contribute to the completeness of the nation, bringing us all together.
Are you celebrating diversity as part of the body of Christ?
Picture credit: https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk
28th October 2024
Contributor: Revd Dr Augustine Tanner-Ihm, OMS, Assistant Curate at St James and Emmanuel, Didsbury and Lead Minister at St Nick's Kingsway.
To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. Revelation 3:21 NKJV
One of my favourite songs is We Shall Overcome. This song became the anthem of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. This offered courage, comfort and hope as protesters confronted prejudice and hate in the battle for equal rights for Black Americans. Written by a Black Methodist minister, the song is deeply rooted in the freedom Christ calls us to live and contend for. This song was a song and a protest, and yet still a hope for the betterment of humanity. This prayer is a nod to the book of Revelation when it says, He who overcomes I will grant the right to sit with me.
What injustice in your community is God calling you with his help, to overcome?
Further resources can be found on the Church of England Website.