CARJ honours two black leaders

On Saturday, 7 Dcember 2013, the Catholic Association for Racial Justice (CARJ) remembered Nelson Mandela and Haynes Baptiste was made a Member of the Order of the Knights of St Gregory for his services to CARJ, to the Catholic community and to the wider society. CARJ also announced that it would be celebrating its 30 anniversary by organising a Young People’s Congress for World Citizenship 10-12 July 2014 at Liverpool Hope University.

The following statement was released after the meeting, which was held at St Thomas More Church, Manor House, north London:

Honouring Two Black Leaders - Nelson Mandela and Haynes Baptiste

Nelson Mandela was a world leader with a unique combination of vision, courage, wisdom and compassion. Across the world, people of all ages and backgrounds looked on him with admiration and affection. We will miss his presence. But we will take support and encouragement from the memory of his life as we continue the struggle for a more just, more equal and more cooperative society.

Today Pope Francis has honoured another black leader. Haynes Baptiste has served the Church and the wider UK society for many years. He has been a strong and faithful presence in his parish, in the archdiocese, in CARJ and across the churches as a trainer, a leader and a prophetic voice. He has campaigned, prayed and laughed with us – and always challenged us to live up to our best ideals. We congratulate Haynes and look forward to working with him in the future.

Madiba and Haynes thank you for all you have given to the world.

Haynes Baptiste came to the UK in 1956. Having trained and served as a teacher in Dominica, on settling in Britain, he worked on the railways, in a mental hospital and then as a postman. He also worked for British Telecom, where he held a variety of jobs for more than 25 years. During those years, he was active in St Gregory’s parish in Earlsfield and in the Southwark Diocesan West Indian Chaplaincy. In the ten years leading up to retirement, he took a cut in salary to become the Director of the Methodist Leadership Racism Awareness Workshops (MELRAW). Haynes has been a key figure in CARJ throughout its 30 years.

It is appropriate, and very meaningful in the wider context of church and society, for Haynes to receive a Papal honour at this time. He was a prophetic figure over half a century when the UK and the Catholic community were going through a transition – coming to terms with growing ethnic diversity. Haynes worked collaboratively with colleagues, across ethnic, class and religious differences to support that process of peaceful integration, always proud to be a Catholic, always an articulate visionary and always accepting others while challenging them to live up to their best ideals.

It is a symbolic and meaningful moment, when a black Catholic leader is publically honoured for his role in changing society for the better. It brings to the attention of society, for reflection and inspiration, not just Haynes’s efforts but the sustained involvement of many Christians, alongside those of other beliefs, in the process of building community during a period of increasing diversity.

Young People’s Congress for World Citizenship

The process of building community must now be taken forward by a younger generation. CARJ has been working with Young People in Schools and Parishes for many years. This work will be given new energy and direction in the Young People’s Congress for World Citizenship which will be held at Liverpool Hope on 10-12 July 2013. The 3-day residential gathering will bring together young people from England and Wales (and beyond) to explore their major social, ethical and cultural concerns and ideas. It will be an active and engaging experience with the young people taking a leadership role and sharing responsibility for the event.

Schools and parishes are invited to send a delegation of 5/6 Year 9 and 10 students possibly accompanied by 1/2 Year 12-13 students who will act as Mentors. We anticipate that on return to school they will present what they have learnt to the rest of the school. The Congress will also launch a new network of committed young people, offering them a variety of opportunities for meeting others, participating in groups, developing skills, becoming more aware of themselves and others and becoming active in their local, national and global community. They will be supported by adults and one another to fulfil their vocation to be active and responsible citizens of the world.