Racial Justice Conference 8-11 November 2023

Group photo of Racial Justice conference attendees, 2023

Conference overview

Below you will find details of the three-day agenda, speakers and practical information.

The racial justice group in the Diocese in Europe of the Church of England is excited to invite you to our International and Ecumenical Racial Justice Conference. It is a contribution to our continuing movement and campaign to ensure greater belonging and healing. We warmly welcome everyone to attend – Christians from all denominations from across Europe and beyond.

This conference is a unique opportunity to gather together with fellow advocates, activists, and specialists from across Europe and beyond who are committed to fostering a more just and inclusive society. The event will be in three parts:

Grieving the past

Challenging the present

Envisioning the future

As a community of faith we are called to address the reality of racial injustice - visible and invisible - that still prevails in the life of the church, faith communities and society. We are called to develop practical ways of overcoming racism and envisioning a roadmap for a community free of racial prejudices. There is still a lot more to do to encourage minority ethnic potential, ministry and representation.

Each day of the Conference has a clear focus. We will hear stories of racism, we will study Scripture together and we will seek ways to stand against racism together. There will be worship and there will be a cultural evening.

We will have experts offering us a direction for the future, and significantly we will be encouraging young people interested in this area to dream a just future together.

We hope to leave the conference affirming that a racially just tomorrow is possible; we hope to articulate and envision possible steps towards justice, reconciliation, and peace and thereby quicken transformation to being a just and inclusive community.

Racism is not an issue that someone else somewhere else faces, it is something within our systems that needs to be addressed as it is being done now, more visibly and more passionately.

To secure your place at this transformative event, please complete the simple online registration process. Early registration is strongly recommended as spaces are limited.

Who should attend?

This conference is open to everyone with a passion for creating a more equal society. It is for people within all churches across Europe who have a passion for justice
We especially welcome young people who can dream of a more just world and people who may have been minoritized.

What will you gain from attending?

Insightful discussions: We have brought together many experts and voices from the church and beyond to share their stories and guide us in bible studies, talks and discussions.
Collaboration and networking: Connect with like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds and denominations who share a common passion for racial justice. Build meaningful relationships, forge new partnerships, and discover opportunities for collaboration beyond the conference.
Practical tools for action: Acquire practical tools, resources, and actionable steps that empower you to make a tangible impact within your own community. Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to challenge prejudice, promote inclusivity, and advocate for racial justice in your spheres of influence.

Together, let's work towards a future where racial justice is no longer a distant dream but a reality we proudly uphold. We look forward to welcoming you at the International and Ecumenical Racial Justice Conference and embarking on this journey of greater belonging in this our world of significant change and challenge.

The Ven Dr Leslie Nathaniel, Archdeacon of Eastern Europe and Germany & Northern Europe

Agenda

9 November 2023, Thursday

Part one: Grieving the past

08.30 - 09.00 Morning Worship

Welcome and Introduction

Words of encouragement – Rt Revd Dr Robert Innes

09.00 - 09.45 Bible Study

The uncivilized outsiderJohn the Baptizer, Mark 1: 4-15. Prof. Dr Sathianathan Clarke, a renowned theologian on global Christianity, brings the gospel of justice, reconciliation, and salvation as the tangible hope for the world.

09.45 - 11.15 - Presentation to set the scene

Defining Racism today: Perspectives on the prevailing narratives of history, followed by Q&A
The Rev. Godfrey Adera, a young Kenyan Anglican Priest.
Dr Masiiwa Gunda, WCC Programme executive for Overcoming Racism
Dr Clementine Nishimwe, a young lay leader from Rwanda, who studies issues concerning migration and race
Dr Peniel Rajkumar, Theologian and Director for Global Mission, USPG Ms Anette Adelmann, the General Secretary of the International Council of Christians and Jews

11.15 - 11.45: Short tea break

11.45 - 13.00 - Talk

Fr Michael Lapsley SSM, President
Healing of Memories Global Network, The Colonial Past and Present - Acknowledging what went wrong and daring to dream of a racially just today with opportunity for Q&A.

13:00-14:30 Lunch break

14:30-15:30 Panel

The reality of racial injustice - visible and invisible. Sharing of experiences through vocal advocates of Racial Justice. Bishop David Hamid (Moderator).
Bishop Smitha Prasadam, the Bishop of Huddersfield.
Dr Sonia Diaz – Monsalve Coordinator MSc Global Urban Health, Centre for Medicine and Society - University of Freiburg
Revd Canon. Dr Bruce Bryant-Scott – Diocese in Europe, Crete (dissertation on colonial theologies that supported genocide against the Indigenous peoples).
Ms Grace Fagan-Stewart, (leads the safeguarding team of the Diocese in Europe of the Church of England)

15:30-16:00 - Tea break

16.00 - 18.00 - Discussion Groups

Eight groups: each of which to identify 3 elements they wish to dream of as their vision for the future. There will be a facilitator and a note taker in each group. The group discussions will close with evening prayer in each of the groups. (The facilitators and note takers will meet with the Statement Committee later in the evening to consolidate the discussions of the groups and prepare a summary for the Plenary.)

18:00 - 20:00 - Free Time. Participants are welcome to join the Vigil at the Synagogue Memorial

20:15 - All are welcome to join the Programme organised by Week of Silence with Meditation and Music from World Religions in the Johanneskirche.

21:00 - Statement Committee meets with Group Discussion leaders.

10 November 2023, Friday

Part two: Challenging the present

08.30 - 09.00 - Morning Worship

09.00 - 09.45 - Bible Study: The cheeky outcast: Canaanite woman. Matthew 15: 21-28. Prof. Dr Sathianathan Clarke.

09.45 - 11.15 - Working together in the world of faiths: A culture of Belonging and Inclusion.
Prof Dr Azza Karam, Professor at the Vrije University of Amsterdam, and a member of the UN Secretary General's Advisory Board on Multilateralism; was until recently also the Secretary General of Religions for Peace – an Impulse Presentation.

The presentation will be followed by three perspectives from
Dr Clare Amos, the Director of Lay Leadership – Diocese in Europe and former programme executive and coordinator for the WCC’s inter-religious dialogue and cooperation programme.
Revd Canon Dr Arun John, a Christian leader with International Interfaith expertise from India, South Africa and the UK; he was also on the Archbishop of Canterbury ́s Advisory Group on Interfaith.
Dr Christian Nweze, a young scientist from the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, University of Hamburg.

11.15 - 11.45 - Tea break

11.45 - 12.30 - Testimonies: 1.

Bishop Antonio Ablon (IFI Philippines and Chaplain with effect from 01.10.2023 in St Catherine ́s Stuttgart) - The migrant, the stranger in our midst - My journey so far.

2. Prof Dr Pia Lane, University of Oslo and a member of the TRC. A contribution in the light of Norway’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) on injustices against the Sami, Kven/Norwegian Finns, and Forest Finns. Opportunity for Q&A.

12.30 13.15 - Panel: Practical ways of overcoming racism and envisioning a roadmap for a community free of racial prejudices.
Bishop David Hamid (Moderator).
Rosette Muzigo-Morrison, a former legal officer in the Office of the chief prosecutor at the ICC in the Hague, Netherlands; history of working in international, humanitarian, and human rights law.
Revd Dr Carlton Turner, USPG Trustee and lecturer at the Queen ́s Foundation, Birmingham, UK.
Dr Elizabeta Kitanovic, Executive Secretary – Human Rights. Conference of European Churches.
Prof. Dr Sathianathan Clarke.

13.15 - 14.30 - Lunch break

14:30-15:00 - Dr Clare Amos reflects on: Art as a means of challenging racial injustice (a display of various non-European artworks is also envisaged where participants could also bring in their contributions).

15:00-15:30 - Plenary Presentation from Day 1 group discussions and pointers to the discussions of Day 2

5:30-16:00 - Tea Break

16:00-18:00 - Discussion Groups: Practicalities in the present What are the practical steps forward?

18:00- 20:00 - Free Time

20:00 - Cultural Evening in the Münster with the well-known International RaschérSaxophone-Quartet

21:00 - Statement Committee meets with Group Discussion leaders

11 November 2023, Saturday

Part three: Envisioning the future

08.30 - 09.00 Morning Worship

09.00 - 10.00 - Bible Study: The uncanny Empire: No longer slave or free. Galatians 3:23-29. Prof. Dr Sathianathan Clarke.

10.00 11.00 - Talk: Prof. Dr. Klaus Schäfer, Dimensions of Justice - Racial justice, gender justice, climate justice, and justice in the context of modern forms of marginalisation. Opportunity for Q&A.

11.00 - 11.30 - Tea break

11.30 - 12.30 - Plenary: Towards a Conference Statement - Presenting a draft blueprint for a racially just future. What do we want the church and the society to be like?

12.30 - 13.30 - Lunch break

13.30 - 14.30 - Plenary: Adoption of the conference statement and blueprint for the future.

14.30 - 15.30 - Concluding Worship with commitments and a final blessing.

15.30 - Departures (or for those staying on in Freiburg till the next day opportunity to get to know the city)

Practical information

Participation

Participants at the conference must be aged 18 or over. However, any younger person can
attend with an appropriate/approved chaperone (this information will be shared with the
Conference safeguarding team).
Participants must arrange their own visas where these are needed. The Conference coordinators will be able to provide letters of invitation once your attendance has been
confirmed.

Price, food & accomodation

The Conference Fee is Euros 450 which includes 3 nights hotel accommodation on 8,9,10 November. Rooms are held at The Green City Hotel and The Motel One, Freiburg though there may be other alternatives.

This accommodation is close to the conference venue. Included meals will be: Hotel Breakfast and Sandwich Lunch on 9, 10, 11 November. Dinner (except drinks) on 9 and 10 November. Separate arrangements will have to be made if an extension of stay is planned.

Payment information

Conference Payments
Please submit this (linked) form as soon as possible so that arrangements can be put in place in good time. The latest date for registration is September 9, 2023.

The costs for accommodation and food are 450 Euros. This amount will need to be paid as soon as possible and by September 1, 2023, at the latest to secure the hotel bookings. However, where possible, please transfer 450 Euros at the same time the registration form is sent.
All payments should be made in-full electronically in Euros at the time of Registration to the
account below with an email confirmation to the Conference Secretary, Molly Catherine,
Email: freiburgconference2023@gmail.com

Account Information: (or other form of payment)
Bank: Commerzbank Bonn
Account name: F.A.C.B.C. e.V. (stands for Friends of the Anglican Chaplaincy Bonn and
Cologne)
IBAN: DE56 3804 0007 0255 5571 00
(all monies paid in must be clearly marked in the section reason for payment: Racial
Justice conference Freiburg)