Please see below a letter to all in our diocese from the Venerable Dr Leslie Nathaniel, Chair of our Racial Justice Working group:

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Today, 21 March we universally commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD). On 21 December 1965, the United Nations General Assembly through its groundbreaking resolution 2106 (XX), took global action to eradicate racism.  We are all called to work towards the elimination of racial discrimination at all levels and to promote inclusion and equality in our churches and in the wider community.  During our current times of conflict, fear for some, and uncertainty in terms of media information and truth, we need to be alert to the stirrings of the Holy Spirit to discern the deep-rooted divisions and exclusion, however subtle, and to hold on to all that makes living together and diversity a celebration. Our two Racial Justice Conferences in 2023 and 2024 with the image of the kaleidoscope point to rearranging diverse elements to form new, harmonious patterns, emphasizing the need for inclusive dialogue and solidarity with those in our communities who are considered not to belong, and may also include migrants, refugees and other groups of people who have left their homelands, often under duress, against the rising hostility in our midst.

Although the attached pastoral letter (download below) from the Revd Canon Guy Hewitt, the Church of England´s first Racial Justice Director, makes sobering reading, it is a timely reminder to all of us that the elimination of racial discrimination is an ongoing task and will continue to be an issue of significant priority in our churches. The current ground realities in Europe and elsewhere make this evident. That is also the reason why there have been many individuals and partners who would like the Racial Justice Working Group in our Diocese to keep up the momentum of the last two conferences and not lose its drive.

Friends, this anniversary of IDERD is a time to reaffirm our commitment to equality and continue efforts to eliminate racism, ensuring equal treatment for all individuals. Let us pray that the stirrings of the Holy Spirit will enable all of us to embrace diversity, strengthen Christian values and challenge the racial hostility in our various contexts.

Warm greetings as we grow in faith together and as we seek to be channels of healing and peace.

The Venerable Dr Leslie Nathaniel, Archdeacon (Erzdekan) of Germany and Northern Europe and the Eastern Archdeaconry

Download and read the pastoral letter from the Revd Canon Guy Hewitt, the Church of England´s first Racial Justice Director.