‘Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness….” Genesis 1.26 Lesson: Looking at skin colour to learn more about God. What colour are you? Listen to this poem by Kathleen McGinnis, and see if you can find a colour that matches your skin. Some people are black like ebony wood. […]
Read full textRacism
Black History Month
What words do we use to lift up the history of oppression, current struggles and future hopes? How is our language in worship shaped by race? What colours do we see as we speak the words of our faith? Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God. -Psalm […]
Read full textHoly Week Litany for White People Working against Racism — Amanda Udis-Kessler, USA
written for the Reconciling Ministries Network One: As we enter Holy Week, we remember the holy work of Jesus in order to take up that work in our own lives and for our own time. Many: Holy One, we are here in gratitude and hope. May we serve your Kin-dom well. One: We remember that […]
Read full textUncovering Black Presence in the Bible — Onleilove Alston, USA
Inspiration and challenge for churches to uncover the Black Presence in the Bible, especially during Black History Month and Lent: If you use Biblical images, make sure they are historically accurate. Utilize the African Heritage Study Bible, edited by Dr. Cain Hope Felder of Howard Divinity School, which includes essays and maps to aid your […]
Read full textBlack and Proud — Veronica Daniel, UK
Looking into the past Thinking of the future Always running fast Black and Proud Captured into Slavery Hold your head up high The road seems long Black and Proud Music which is timeless Songs full of hope Listen to their voices Black and Proud Praying for a change All the colours united Let us all […]
Read full textBlack Lives Matter — Veronica Daniel
Black lives matter That’s what they say I still see injustice Every single day Black lives matter I wait to be served Yet you still ignore me I won’t be unnerved Black Lives Matter The Pandemic is here Why are my people dying Reasons are not clear Black Lives Matter This is my ride Still […]
Read full textReparations, a hymn — Raymond Stanyon, UK
What are the Reparations? tune: “The Church’s One Foundation” – Aurelia It seems that God’s creation is not what was designed. So easy to accept things and then become resigned To never being different, wrongs ne’er to be repaired Will ever come the time when your bounty’s fairly shared? We see the world around us […]
Read full textIn God’s Image — Karen Campbell, UK
I am a child of God – As you are. In my face is reflected the likeness of God – As in yours. Why then do you despise the colour of my skin, The shape of my features, Or the texture of my hair? Why do you think that I must think Like you, Act […]
Read full textBlack — Karen Campbell, UK
If the night sky wasn’t inky Could the stars shine so bright? And if there wasn’t darkness, Tell me, how could light be light? No dark depths of earth – How would the flora grow? Black is essential, don’t you know. You tell me black is no good – The shade of evil, shade of […]
Read full textKairos! — Karen Campbell, UK
God, in whose likeness all are made, teach us to see each other as you see us – each individual, nation and people – beautiful. Beloved. Valued beyond measure. Enable us to see as you see. God, who is love, teach us to love each other as you love us – from the very heart […]
Read full textRemembering George Floyd, Candle of Justice — Churches Together in Britain & Ireland
To mark the anniversary of George Floyd’s murder… You are a God of justice – may we share your passion for justice, which can be seen throughout the Bible. By the power of your Holy Spirit enable us to stand up for justice and stand against intolerance. Thank you that you love each person, made […]
Read full textIn our praying, anger and action — a prayer from the United Reformed Church in Great Britain
Eternal God, deeply troubled by what is happening following George Floyd’s death, and by too much other inhumanity that doesn’t reach the headlines, we cry to you as the one whose love was the victor at Easter and who pours it into our hearts at Pentecost. As we observe the pain of a fractured world, […]
Read full textMarked at Birth – Ana Gobledale, Zambia & UK
Born white Into privilege and power No hiding Birth mark Marked at birth Step into access Step into education Seen as a full wallet/purse Walking with a shadow Of responsibility Of oppression Of exploitation So many wrongs How many generations must pass To be free of the burden of the sins of our ancestors? To […]
Read full textSlavery Memorial Day, 23 August
As churches and countries mark Slavery Memorial Day, we remember the world-wide call to repentance and reparation laid upon many consciences and cultures. We pray for the day when those of all races, and those of all faiths and of none, will be treated fairly and equally by everyone. — Joint Liturgical Group of Great […]
Read full textI Dream a World — Langston Hughes, USA
Though the original words are exclusive, the sentiment is eternal. The bracketed phrases have been inserted to include everyone… I dream a world where [each person] No other [person] will scorn, Where love will bless the earth And peace its paths adorn I dream a world where all Will know sweet freedom’s way, Where greed […]
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