It is 75 years since Empire Windrush docked at Tilbury, Essex carrying passengers from the Caribbean ready to start a new life in the UK.
To mark this occasion, the Bishop of Manchester, the Right Reverend Prof David Walker, has invited The Rt Revd Charles Davidson, Bishop of Guyana, to visit Manchester Diocese.
The Diocese of Guyana is one of eight dioceses in the Province of the West Indies which forms part of the Worldwide Anglican Communion. Bishop Charles has led the diocese in Guyana since 2016, having previously served as a parish priest in Philadelphia, USA.
During this visit, Bishop David and Bishop Charles will meet with local people and organisations, take part in events to mark the anniversary of Windrush and contribute to discussions on racial justice.
Bishop Charles said, “I work in a multi-faith country with a multicultural background with racism and its effect is very prevalent in our politics and society. I find it challenging to minister in such an environment.
“I am wondering how Windrush fits into the history of Manchester and the effect it had and is still having on the life of the church’s witness to the mission of God.”
Bishop David said, "I'm delighted that Manchester has been chosen to host Bishop Charles. Our diocese is home to many of the Windrush generation and their descendants. We are grateful for all they contribute to our life together. We look forward to hearing from Bishop Charles and learning from his experiences in Guyana, as well as sharing our own stories with him."
Visit itinerary
Saturday 17th June
Bishop Charles will attend the Diocesan Synod at St John’s House, Bury leading the worship and opening address, and participating in the discussion of the Diocesan Racial Justice Strategy.
In the afternoon Bishop Charles will share afternoon tea with the Caribbean community at St James, Moss Side.
Sunday 18th June
Tune into BBC Radio Manchester at 7.45 am as Bishop Charles will be interviewed by presenter Louise Croombs.
At 10.30 am Bishop Charles will attend and preach the sermon at a service to mark the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush at Manchester Cathedral. All are welcome to attend.
Monday 19th June
Bishop Charles will meet the Bishop’s Leadership Team for a Eucharist and breakfast together. He will then visit Trinity Church of England High School, to speak to pupils about Windrush and host a Q&A session with pupils.
In the afternoon Bishop Charles and Bishop David will meet with Revd Charles Kwaku-Odoi at the Caribbean & African Health Network to find out more about the organisation’s work to eradicate health disparities for Caribbean & African people.
They will then meet with Assistant Chief Constable Colin MacFarlane at Greater Manchester Police to understand policing in a diverse community.
In the evening they will meet with clergy and those who attend The Holy Family, Failsworth so that Bishop Charles may be introduced to the life of a parish in the Church of England.
Tuesday 20th June
On his final day in Manchester, Bishop Charles will meet with clergy from Global Majority Heritage backgrounds at Bishopscourt hosted by Archdeacon Karen Lund.
We are looking forward to welcoming Bishop Charles and we hope that as many people as possible will attend the Windrush service at the Cathedral.