We are more than halfway through Black History Month and, from a racial equity perspective, I wanted to provide an update on how the department has been developing over the past year, writes Sophie Holder, Diocesan Director of Racial Equity.
When my role began at the end of 2024, a Racial Equity Strategy had already been created in the Diocese a few years prior. This provided a solid foundation upon which to craft and guide implementation.
Taking into consideration the key areas identified as important, I further distilled the strategy into seven focal points that will progress the Diocese towards becoming a racially equitable organisation and culture:
- Governance – our processes and policies
- Recruitment – how, where and who we hire
- Training and Development – how are we empowering and equipping people to go on the journey of change, as well as supporting and developing people to fulfill their God-given purpose
- Raising Awareness – how and what are we communicating about racial equity throughout our Diocese. Also, how are we celebrating and normalising racial diversity within our church communities
- Education and support – how we will equip clergy and lay ministers to be part of racial equity work
- Local parish and worship - how we will equip congregations to be part of racial equity work
- Children and Young People / Schools – how are we engaging younger generations in racial equity work, as well as developing and equipping educators
While ambitious, each area only has a limited number of actions. This is because my role is only funded for three years, and I am always mindful about what can be achieved within this timeframe.
What I intend to focus on during this period is direct, sometimes challenging but realistic changes that can be embedded within our existing culture. This means working with departments and senior leads, HR, archdeacons, clergy, lay leaders, trainers and congregations to develop change that can become part of everyday life within the Diocese.
This will not always be easy work – which makes it even more necessary for us to celebrate our wins along the way.
Partnership
One in particular has been a partnership between the Diocesan Board of Education (DBE) and the Stephen Lawrence Research Centre (SLRC). The SLRC is known for shaping and influencing how people think, pursue, advocate and raise awareness for racial justice in the UK.
Over the next two years, the SLRC will be working with three DBE Trusts to develop and equip 30 educators; this will include how to incorporate racial equity practice into teaching, curriculums and day-to-day school life.
The SLRC x DBE partnership also has a component that focuses on school children, supporting them to become ‘Race Ambassadors’. This part of the programme will enable children – whether African, Asian or European background - to speak up and out about decisions that affect them – giving them the building blocks to create confidence and community. This partnership has the potential to benefit 13,000+ children in the Diocese.
The Sound of Power and Pride
I will also be letting you know about another ‘win’ in next week’s Diomail – namely the Diocese’s first ever Black History Month concert that happened just two days ago at HTL Church Leicester. I cannot wait to share stories and pictures from this joyous occasion!
Lasting Impact
I do not know all the successes and challenges that await this work over the next few years, but I do know it is a road we must walk together if we are to have lasting impact. Change cannot be made by one person or one department. It needs consistent, competent and considerate effort - by committed people. And even if I could, I would not want to do it alone.
The misconception is that racial equity work only includes and only benefits people from racialised backgrounds, ie those of UK Global Majority Heritage. This is not true. Anyone and everyone can be part of this work, as long as they have a passion for justice and equity, are comfortable knowing that they don’t know everything, and have a desire to use their skills and knowledge for change. And that could be so many of us in the Diocese!
Get Involved!
Currently, we are looking to hire a Racial Equity Coordinator, who will assist and work alongside my role over the next 2+ years. This will be an exciting time to join the team, where you can be a changemaker, shaping and guiding new projects and initiatives from the ground up. Find out more about the role here.
We will also be looking for volunteers to join the Diocese’s Racial Equity Unit. This will include assisting in one of the seven areas of implementation. If you are a clergy member, a lay minister or a parish member who has an interest or skills in training and learning, communications/social media, organising events – or just a passion for racial justice – please contact equity@leicestercofe.org
If you cannot actively be part of this work, what is equally important is your patience and ability to give us the benefit of the doubt. To perhaps not understand every project or training or initiative, but to still give it a chance and show up.
Studies show that wherever the most disadvantaged people are supported and equipped – everyone in society benefits. It is the same for racial equity in the Diocese – my work is to benefit all. To make it a Diocese for all. It is a work that we all contribute to – and I wouldn’t want it any other way.