Southwark is a diverse and vibrant Diocese in so many ways, from the energy of the inner city to the beauty of the Surrey Hills. We are one of the largest Dioceses in the Church of England, serving the people of South London and East Surrey. We take joy in the distinctiveness and variety of God’s gifts and people. You will find churches that offer welcome, care and dignity in Christ’s name to their parishes; chaplains walking along side those in education, hospitals, and prison; and pioneering communities seeking to reach out and serve in new ways.
Our Southwark Vision is founded on mutual commitment, speaking well of one another and walking together in the pilgrimage of faith. Supporting, encouraging, and resourcing each other in our common task, we seek to be a Diocese that is:
- walking with Jesus and getting to know Him better as we journey on
- welcoming all, embracing our diversity and seeking new ways of being Church
- growing in numbers, generosity, faith and discipleship as we grow God’s Kingdom.
Our hope and prayer is that this website will help you with information, resources, and provide for you in your pilgrimage.
The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark
Diocese of Southwark’s Anti-Racism Charter
The Diocese of Southwark’s Anti-Racism Charter was approved by Diocesan Synod on 13 March 2021.
The key principles of the Charter are:
- an explicit theological understanding that God’s kingdom is multi-ethnic, and that it is through our baptismal covenant that we recognise and respect the dignity of every human being and our unity in Christ
- an intentional focus in our theological studies, liturgy, teaching, prayer, word and work to take strategic and practical actions to combat racism and inequality
- a clear strategy for increasing and sustaining diversity in our governance structures at Diocesan and parish level so as to ensure representation and participation of people from diverse ethnic backgrounds at all levels of our organisation.
