This Sunday will be observed as 'Racial Justice Sunday' by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, writes Rev. Sarah Gill, pictured, our Bishop's Adviser on UKME Issues. 

The church is invited to use the day as an opportunity to affirm the importance of working together to end inequality and injustices carried out through racism and racial bias against humanity.

• You can find out a lot more about Racial Justice on the CBTI website here. 

Racial justice is not a responsibility of a particular group or organisation, but also a call is made to all who would like to consider every human being made in the image of God.

Racial Justice Sunday offers one and all an opportunity (and particularly church, the Body of Christ) to celebrate human diversity.

It is incumbent on the Church to engage and collaborate with all those who through prayer and action would like to work towards the end of injustice and racism.

Our commitment to Racial Justice is rooted in Jesus Christ who stood with the poor, the vulnerable, oppressed and the marginal in social and religious structures and society at large.

The Diocese of Blackburn is committed to promote and exercise Racial Justice in its call to serve humanity in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.

We affirm this as we pray: Lord Jesus Christ, who crossed boundaries and borders, help us to love our neighbours and break down barriers in our communities. Wounded Healer, who made blind eyes see and deaf ears hear, enable us to perceive the reality of racism, bigotry and racial injustice in ourselves and our society. Prince of Peace, Inspire us to celebrate difference and reconcile division and help re-imagine this world as a place where justice and peace kiss and freedom abounds. Amen

Ronnie Semley, February 2022