Walking Together for Racial Justice

Photo credit: CTBI

Source: CBCEW

On Sunday 5 February, the Catholic Church in England and Wales celebrates Racial Justice Sunday. It is the day the Church focuses on the need to oppose racism and pursue racial justice with renewed vigour.

The theme chosen for 2023 is 'All are included in the mission of Christ and His Church. Let us walk together, pray together and work together'. This was inspired by observations made by Pope Francis during his visit to Canada last year when he spoke about looking towards a future of 'Justice, healing and reconciliation' and by conversations following Racial Justice Sunday 2022.

It is hoped the resources will be used as a basis of reflection for the whole of the coming 12 months and not just for Racial Justice Sunday. The resources include:

(1) Three videos, each focusing on a particular theme; (a) Walking together (b) Praying Together (c) Working together (All have a transcript)

(2) A prayer for use at Mass and other events on Racial Justice Sunday. The link is given below.

(3) Questions for reflection which can be used by Justice & Peace and other parish groups.

(4) Posters depicting Mary and the Child Jesus from different cultures. These formed part of Racial Justice Sunday 2022 and are included again as they proved very popular, particularly in schools.

At Masses on Racial Justice Sunday, parishes are encouraged to mark the day by praying this prayer:

God of our past, present and future,

you created each one of us in your image and likeness,

help us to recognise you in each person.

As we pray for end to suffering caused by racism

lead us this day to walk with one another,

pray with one another and work together,

so that we create a future based on justice and healing,

where all can fulfil the hope you have for all peoples.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Links

The Bishops Conference of England and Wales' materials for Racial Justice Sunday can be found here: www.cbcew.org.uk/racial-justice-sunday

Sunday 5 February, 10am

Racial Justice Sunday Mass at St George's Cathedral, Southwark celebrated by Archbishop John Wilson. The Mass will also be live-streamed via the RC Southwark YouTube account: https://youtu.be/ArOEploQRGs

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland has produced resources.

CTBI points out that 22 April 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of the racist killing of Black teenager, Stephen Lawrence, in southeast London. It says: "This anniversary is a key moment for church and society on these islands. Stephen's killing was very much Britain's 'George Floyd moment' as it clearly revealed the ugly face of British racism, in terms not only of the hatred of those who took this young man's life, but also of the institutional variety that characterised the appalling investigation into his killing. This is a moment for reflection which will enable us to assess what, if any, progress has been made since that tragedy." https://ctbi.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/RJS-2023.pdf