Anti-Racism
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28
At The Belfrey we are actively working to become an anti-racist church. We recognise that we all need to “no longer conform to the patter of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds” (Romans 12:2a). We would recommend the following resources if you want to educate yourself about racism and the church, and how to become anti-racist.
Resources
Ben Lindsay’s ‘We Need to Talk About Race’ is a compelling book that describes what it is like to be a black person in a white majority church. It asks thought provoking questions and calls us to action. An excellent starting point.
This is the YouTube video for the panel event about Ben Lindsay’s book and further testimony about black experience in white majority churches.
The poet and vicar A.D.A France Williams further unpacks the history of the Church of England and racism and what we can do about it.
Reni Eddo-Lodge outlines a history of racism in the UK, how our current system is structured, as well as racism’s link to feminism, class and much more. Another excellent starting point.
Book-Study Group
A group of us meet monthly to read and discuss anti-racism resources together as well as actions points for us a church family. Join the WhatsApp group by getting in touch through the staff page.