THE diocese of London has been awarded £730,000 from the Church of England’s Racial Justice Unit to “expand and deepen” its racial-justice work over the next three years.
A diocesan press release last week said that the money would enable it to build on work already under way: “Honest and hope-filled spaces for education will be expanded, including anti-racism and cultural competency training, alongside the development of new curriculum resources for Church schools. Clearer and more accessible pathways into leadership and participation will emerge through listening circles and practical action to remove barriers and support people in their calling.
“Governance will continue to be strengthened so that lived experience is heard and respected, and decision-making reflects integrity and shared responsibility. Compassionate and clear advocacy will be advanced through collaboration with trusted partners on issues affecting our communities, including youth safety, health inequalities, and the rights and welfare of refugees and asylum seekers.”
The diocese would collaborate with its Area Deans of Racial Justice, “helping to resource parishes, schools, and communities as they continue this journey”.
Since 2021, two area bishops with global-majority heritage have been appointed: to Edmonton, Dr Anderson Jeremiah, and to Willesden, the Rt Revd Lusa Nsenga-Ngoy.
Welcoming the funding, Dr Jeremiah said: “At the heart of our vision for every Londoner to encounter God’s love is the essential work of racial justice. Pursuing justice is more than a priority; it is the practical expression of our Christian discipleship. This funding is a wonderful investment in our shared calling to be people of mercy and equity. Our hope is that it will act as a vital catalyst, empowering our parishes and chaplaincies to become places where every individual can truly flourish.”
