Sunday 9 February 2025: Racial Justice Sunday
Racial Justice Sunday is entering its 30th year of celebration - a unique day in which we, as the body of Christ, highlight the continued need to oppose racism and pursue racial justice.
The call for racial justice can often be a fraught topic in our workplaces, social settings and even our places of worship - yet the Bible is clear that all humanity, in all its racial diversity, has been made in the image of God.
We serve a God who not only values but enshrined variety in all his creations - from the foundation of the world. And, as his handiwork, our first purpose was to live in harmony with each other, reflecting God's goodness and character to all.
Unfortunately, sin has marred this purpose. We now live in a world where race is often weaponised. Where racial hierarchies have placed most global communities at the bottom of a system that seeks to erode worth and our collective humanity - due to the depth of skin pigmentation.
It is these injustices that Racial Justice Sunday seeks to call out - encouraging and empowering Christians to be the change makers who lead by example for a fairer and more just world.
Sophie Holder, Director of Racial Equity in the Diocese of Leicester, says: "As Christians, we have the honour and privilege to re-establish what racial justice looks like in our world, as disciples of Christ. This work is not limited to one day, but this coming Sunday gives us opportunity to sing a little louder, connect a little more and work towards reflecting the true kingdom of God and all the people who call it their home."
The theme of this Racial Justice Sunday is ‘Coat of Many Colours’, a beautiful and poignant reminder that our diversity in Christ is interconnected, that we were created to stand side by side, all representing the fabric and essence of God's kingdom.
What will your worshipping community be doing for Racial Justice Sunday?
Click here for resources that will help make the most of the day and continue in our collective path to oppose racism and pursue justice.
Book Recommendation, from Jessie Tang, Diocesan Intercultural Ministry Director
Healing the Divides: How every Christian can advance God’s vision for racial unity and justice (A biblical perspective on race and how Christians and churches should respond).
By Jason Roach and Jessamin Birdsall
Jessie says: Healing the Divides is written in the British context (many books on race and the church are in the US context) and in terms of readability it uses easy and accessible language - it even has a glossary of terms related to racial justice.
It’s a good introduction to the theme and associated themes, like intercultural church. There is a chapter addressed to readers who identify as white, and a chapter dedicated to readers who identify as UKME/GMH. Personally, I was so surprised to discover the latter as this rarely happens in books like these! I 100% recommend.
This liturgy was created in the context of St Nicholas Church in Leicester, who used it each Sunday during Black History Month last October. It was also used in Sophie Holder’s recent commissioning.
Feel free to use it in your worshipping community.
Commitment to Racial Justice
Beloved people of God, the Body of Christ is wounded and scarred by the sin of racism. As Christians we believe that all human beings are made in the image of God. Racism denies the beauty of God in all of humanity’s diversity. Racism creates apathy, separation and hatred. But through the prophets of old and of today our God of justice calls us to care, to build community and to love.
So I ask you, are you willing to commit yourselves to the daily task of standing up for racial justice?
With the help of God, we will.
Will you persevere in prayer for racial justice and healing within the Body of Christ?
With the help of God, we will.
Will you strive to see Christ in people of all ethnicities and cultures?
With the help of God, we will.
Will you acknowledge and address the racial prejudices that wound and separate us from each other?
With the help of God, we will.
Will you seek to mend what has been broken by the sin of racism?
With the help of God, we will.
Holy God,
you have heard our commitment to racial justice.
Now we ask that you would grant us the strength and courage to let our words be followed by actions.
Open our eyes, so we can see your image in each other;
open our ears, so we can hear the words of truth;
open our hearts, so they might be filled with love for one another;
through Jesus Christ, our broken healer.
Amen.
