Diocese of Chichester

Two international students from Steyning Grammar school shared their responses to racial justice during a special service at Holy Cross Uckfield to mark Racial Justice Sunday.

The pupils, Dame and Tami were invited to participate, and were joined by the school's head of Boarding Tom Leighton. The two students read a poem and shared a video.

The students are excited to be part of further work in the diocese and were thankful for the warm welcome, hospitality and commitment to celebrating diversity in all its forms. They said: "We came away feeling uplifted and empowered by the Holy Spirit as ambassadors for inclusion in our Diocese and as global citizens. Something great is happening here and we are looking forward to being part of it."

Holy Cross school contributed a video of prayers for all in our diocese and the world. Little Horsted School children, the head and deputy read poems and showed the pictures the children made of an inclusive poppy. The Deputy head of Little Horsted stated that they are weaving race equality and equality of representation throughout their curriculum coverage all year round.

The Singing from ZINAFE south east ( Zimbabwe Anglican Fellowship South East ) was vibrant the Bishop was moved by the drumming.

The parish churches were also delighted to welcome guest preacher, Canon Mother Roxanne of St Mark's in the Diocese of Southwark. Canon Roxanne gave a heartfelt address. 

Bishop Martin led the service and prayers, supporting Fr John Wall and Martha Mutikani, the parish clergy of Uckfield,

Ahead of Racial Justice Sunday the Diocese of Chichester had been encouraging church communities across Sussex to act against any form of racism. Church communities have also been urged to continue to pray and to respond to the principles to end injustice for all. These are Responding, Reflecting and Remembering.

As parishes across Sussex were asked to reflect on the three principles, the Bishop of Lewes, Will Hazlewood, said: “Injustice exists. This day will give us an opportunity to reflect on the times we might have failed in our ministry and to remember the importance of racial injustice and to reflect on the brilliance of human diversity. He said, we aim to respond in prayer and action to end injustice, racism and ignorance.”

Further resources:

The Revd Dr Godfrey Kesaris from Southwater has also written a series of reflections on Racial Justice. Reflection 1 is here Reflection 2 can be read here and Reflection 3 here

Bishop Will leads on the diocesan work to respond to the Archbishops' report 'From Lament to Action' Listen to his video message ahead of Racial Justice Sunday here

Other resources can be found on the Churches Together in Britain and Ireland website here and for Church of England Liturgical resources for Racial Justice Sunday click here

A prayer for Racial Justice Sunday can be read and downloaded here

The Archbishops' report From Lament to Action - can be read here