The Diocese of Norwich has introduced a new prayer guide that addresses the historical spread of Christianity through “racist European ideologies.” This initiative, known as the “anti-racist toolkit,” is the creation of the diocese’s Racial Justice Action Group and is part of a broader effort by the Church of England to tackle racism.
The toolkit encourages parishes to move away from Eurocentric prayers and includes strategies for incorporating racial justice themes into church services. According to an article in The Telegraph, this is particularly significant in rural East Anglia, where Norfolk is approximately 94% white.
Despite the area’s predominant homogeneity, the guide acknowledges increasing diversity in educational institutions and communities. It suggests that clergy should make their prayers more inclusive by using diverse languages and addressing topics that resonate with a changing population.
One of the specific recommendations is for priests to establish a “Collect for Racial Justice Sunday,” which would include prayers for repentance for past injustices and a celebration of diversity.
The toolkit offers an example prayer that describes the congregation as “a holy family, a rainbow people,” and advises clergy to consult external resources like PrayerCast for inspiration on global issues.
Additionally, the guide recommends displaying images that celebrate diversity, even in parishes where ethnic diversity may be limited.
The Rt. Rev. Jane Steen, Bishop of Lynn, endorsed the toolkit, emphasizing its importance for fostering inclusion in a society that is becoming more diverse. She noted that Norfolk benefits from the contributions of people whose roots are outside the UK, particularly in sectors like healthcare and agriculture.
This initiative follows the Church of England’s anti-racist task force’s recommendations, which were developed after the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. In 2021, the General Synod adopted the “From Lament to Action” report, which outlined measures to combat racism, including examining historical links to the slave trade and reconsidering monuments tied to colonialism and slavery.
However, not everyone agrees with the approach. The Rev. Ian Paul, associate minister at St. Nic’s, Nottingham, voiced concerns over prioritizing these efforts in an overwhelmingly white area. He argued that the resources might be better used to address pressing issues, such as the clergy shortage in many parishes, as stated in The Telegraph.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
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