Each year, our diocese marks Racial Justice Sunday. This is an important day to recognise our common humanity and the love and compassion that we share between us as diverse children of God.
For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself’. (Galatians 5:14)
It also a time to recommit to equity and justice for all those across the world who face persecution, violence and hatred in all its forms. We are more united when all our voices are heard and shared. We must act on God’s call to love our neighbour.
This year’s theme is ‘Love Your Neighbour’, and there are plenty of resources to help you champion racial justice.
The resources explore what it really means to love our neighbour. This is essential given the current narratives of hostility, fear, suspicion and hatred of the ‘other’ that we seem to hear more regularly. Do not be discouraged.
We are thankful for the ecumenical organisation – Churches Together in Britain and Ireland – who created these resources alongside lots of different voices, approaches, and church denominations.
A special service at Lincoln Cathedral dedicated to racial justice will take place on Sunday 8 February from 3.45pm. Stay for warming hospitality in the Chapter House after the service, with catering supplied by ‘Tashady,’ with an African and Caribbean twist.
It would be very helpful if you are planning to come to please book ahead using the link here.
Lord of every nation and the God of all,
hear our prayer for the refugees
who enter the UK seeking a secure home.
It troubles us, Lord, that there are so many who leave their homeland,
in desperation and fear for their own safety,
looking for security for themselves and their families,
risking their lives and paying heavily to unscrupulous gangs,
finding their hopes shattered
and then finding themselves living in fear.
It concerns us, Lord, that there are those within Britain and Ireland
who show racist traits dressed in political ideology,
folk who are inspired by pro-nationalist thinking,
without a heart for those who are desperate for normality,
those who are reaching out for a community of care
and receiving rejection at each juncture.
Father God, may they know that your love them,
and may all political opponents understand that these men and women
need to feel the love of Your church in their lives.
Father God, help us to meditate on Your inclusive love
and Your far-reaching grace in today’s world.
Father God, forgive us if we assume that people
can ring-fence Your grace according to where people were born,
and not engage the needy wherever they are currently.
Farther God, bind us together with peoples of all nations,
whatever their race, colour or creed.
May we accept our common humanity
as we see the whole of humankind as Your immediate family.
In the name of Jesus.
Amen
Denzil Ieuan John
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