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The Diocese of Southwark Anti-Racism Charter
The Charter is active and intentional. It says: “being anti-racist is not the same as simply not being racist. It is not enough as a Diocese not to be racist; instead we must actively counter, disrupt and oppose racial injustice. This isn’t an easy task, it takes introspection, as well as continued intentional action and is not a static description of ourselves.”
The key principles of Southwark’s Anti-Racism 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.
As well as its three key principles, the ARC includes six Diocesan commitments and a 12-point action plan for leadership and development.
The Anti-Racism Charter Parish study resource
As we launch the new anti-racism charter parish study resource, Bishop Rosemarie explores why this issue is so crucial to our Christian faith.
Download the ARC Parish study resource
“Our rich ethnic diversity in this Diocese is God’s gift and blessing which we celebrate. There is no place for racist attitudes and behaviours in this Diocese. The Charter will guide us as we journey forwards in faith, hope and love for the people of South London and East Surrey.”
-The Bishop of Southwark, The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun
Resources and reports
Responding to Christian nationalism
The beauty of the church is seen most clearly in the way it gathers people into a shared life shaped by the love of Jesus. It is a place where belonging is not earned but offered, where people discover that they matter, and where community is built through grace, welcome, and shared purpose. Across generations and backgrounds, the church creates spaces where people can stand together, listen to one another, and find hope that is deeper than anything we could create on our own. When the church lives out this calling, it becomes a living sign of Christ’s love—open, generous, and healing.
In this light, the current conversations around Christian nationalism can feel especially painful. They reveal how political pressures and cultural fears can fracture relationships, unsettle congregations, and pull communities away from the reconciling way of Jesus. These tensions remind us how vital it is for the church to resist being shaped by exclusion or division. The gospel calls the church to something far better: to be a community where every person—of every age, story, background, and identity—is welcomed with dignity and compassion.
To celebrate the church is to celebrate its diversity, its hospitality, and its commitment to the common good. It is to honour the countless ways people serve one another, share burdens, and work side by side for the flourishing of their neighbourhoods. When the church is rooted in the love of Jesus, it becomes a place where unity is possible, where differences are held with grace, and where every person can find a home.
We hope this resource guide will assist you within your parishes and wider as you grapple with the considerations, challenges and issues of Christian Nationalism.
Events
Check out the latest events that seek to resource churches to respond to Christian nationalism here.
Webinars
Unpacking the theology of Christian Nationalism (Revd Dr Helen Paynter)
Responding to Christian Nationalism (Diocese of London)
Other initiatives & networks
Better Story
A movement of Christians seeking to resist this distortion of our faith by re-centring Christ’s compassion, humility, and self-sacrificial generosity in the public conversation about Christianity.
England United
A toolkit for those who want to speak up for an inclusive England.
Responding to Christian Nationalism
Resources from the Joint Public Issues Team.
Christianity, nationhood and the rise of Christian Nationalism
Report from Theos.
Questions of Hope and Hate: Faith and faultlines in a Changing Britain
Report from Theos.
Christian nationalism in the UK: a contest for the nation’s soul?
Article from the Evangelical Alliance.
Centre for the Study of Bible & Violence
The Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence is a research centre to study the overlap between the Bible and violence.
Navigating difficult conversations
G.R.A.C.E
A Christian approach to difficult conversations.
Political movements
Ten recommendations for the Church in Britain.
Books
Faithful Presence in a Fractured World A Church toolkit for resisting the Far Right, by Revd Dr Helen Paynter (Canterbury Press) released June 2026, available on pre-order
The Church, the Far Right and the Claim to Christianity, edited by Helen Paynter and Maria Power (SCM)
Community cohesion
Near Neighbours
Near Neighbours brings people together in communities that are religiously and ethnically diverse so that they can get to know each other better, build relationships of trust, and collaborate together on initiatives that improve the local community they live in. Grants and training for interfaith and cross‑community cohesion projects.
Community of the Cross of Nails
A worldwide network of 280 churches, charities, chaplaincies, peace-building and retreat centres, schools and other educational and training organisations, all inspired by the Coventry story of destruction, rebuilding and renewal, and active in reconciliation in our own ways.
Bridging Divides
An initiative from the British Red Cross that encourages people to choose compassion in a divided world. Sign up to join the community, and receive the Bridging Divides podcast, practical tips, and inspiring stories straight to your inbox.
St Philip’s Centre
Our work within the Christian community and across wider society enables communities and individuals to encounter one another in meaningful ways to build understanding and trust.
Belong | Addressing Community Tensions: Developing shared ground
This is a short paper which the Belong Network has drawn together from in-depth conversations with the Belong Local Government Network.
Looking After One Another 2023
Report focusing on the safety and security of faith communities – and how we can build on and strengthen existing good inter faith relations.
The Church & Social Cohesion
Report from Theos.
Protecting What Matters: Towards a more confident, cohesive, and resilient United Kingdom
Government report.
Youth resources
Anti- Racism Conversations (from Youthscape)
Peacemakers + Disruptors
A fun scenario-based card game from Youthscape to help young people practice healthy conversations with those they may disagree with in an increasingly divided world.
The Difference Course – training for use with young people
The Feast
Bringing together teenagers from different faiths and cultures to build friendships, explore faith and change lives.
Inter Faith resources
Inter Faith Week 2026 – 8-15 November
Faiths working together toolkit
From Near Neighbours.
Friendship First
The Friendship First Course gives Christians the skills, confidence and resources to build Christ-centered friendships with Muslims.
Council of Christians & Jews
Briefings and resources on countering extremist rhetoric and protecting inter-communal relations.
The Woolf Institute
Research and education on religion and society, including how communities navigate populism and polarisation.
The Mayor of London’s Interfaith Network
Faith Security Training
A new training scheme available for faith communities in England & Wales. Learn how to reduce the risk of hate crime, anti-social behaviour, and serious threats.
Truth-telling in Sacred Spaces presentations and resources
On Saturday 7 February 2026, we hosted “Truth-Telling in Sacred Spaces” at Southwark Cathedral. The day was attended by clergy and lay leaders of Global Majority Heritage, allies, parish priests, PCCs—all within the diocese keen to reflect and understand how faith responds to history.
See photographs from the day here
Read the full “Truth-Telling in Sacred Spaces” Booklet here
Watch recordings of the following events
| Events (click to watch) | Speaker/Moderator | Downloads |
| Keynote address | Senator The Rev Canon Dr John Rogers | Keynote address |
| 1. Deptford, enslavement and the challenges of memorialisation | Dr Helen Paul and Revd Jane Petrie | Presentation Slides |
| 2. Reading between the lines of material culture at Croydon Minster | Revd Michael Walcott (with input from Stephanie Offer) | Presentation Slides Article: Croydon Minster’s Links With African Chattel Enslavement Listen: Stephanie Offer (5min) |
| 3. Echoes of Slavery (All Saints Kingston) | John Dewhurst and Dr David Robinson | Echoes of Slavery Pamphlet Presentation Slides |
| 4. Church and community, commerce and campaigns | Lily Reddie | Presentation Slides |
| 5. Southwark Cathedral: Issues in context | Dr Simon Kingston | |
| 6. Panel 2: Storytelling, healing and repair | Archdeacon Chigor Chike, Revd Daniel Eshun and Revd Mark Eminson | |
| 7. Choral Eucharist: World premiere of ‘Missa brevis’ (Errollyn Wallen, CBE) by the Choir at Croydon Minster | Service coordinated by Revd Patrick Eggleston and Woolwich Area Racial Justice Group | Order of Service |
To purchase copies of the Mass Setting score for your choir or parish, please visit errollynwallenshop.com
Find further resources about Contested Heritage
- Black History Studies and tours: Contact blackhistorystudies.com for information on black history resources and events in London and beyond.
- Southwark Heritage Centre and Walworth Library: 147 Walworth Road, London SE17 1RW
- Southwark Archives: Appointments and enquiries: [email protected]
- Southwark museum collections learning space: [email protected]
- MoSaF Deptford: A local charity which runs heritage walks around Deptford, April to October, plus specialist tours for groups. Contact mosaf.org.uk
Useful links and publications
Racial Justice Sunday 2026
The theme for this year’s Racial Justice Sunday is: ‘Love Your Neighbour’
The Bible provides a blueprint for a world where everyone belongs; where everyone is loved, valued and affirmed for who they are, and not what they look like or have to offer. A world in which our identity is ultimately to be found in Christ, as brothers and sisters of one ‘race’: the human race.
Black History Month 2025
Read about Black History Month in our diocese: Black History Month – The Diocese of Southwark
Read the Black History Month blog: Blogs – The Diocese of Southwark
Progress on Racial Justice across the Church of England Dioceses
Read how the Diocese of Southwark responded to the FLTA recommendations
Difference - 5 session course
Make your faith count in a complex and divided world. Difference is a five-session course for you to run exploring following Jesus in a conflicted world.
National Church Black History Month resources
Resources from the National Church, designed for use during Black History Month, including Services of the Word, a Eucharistic service, Prayers of Lament and of Commission, and links to further resources for Bible studies, youth work, Messy Church, and music are available on the Church of England website.
Listen: To the tune of adornment - Adukeh's poem written for our 2021 Black History Month celebration
Download To the tune of adornment, Adukeh’s poem written for our 2021 Black History Month celebration, held at Southwark Cathedral
Watch: Lord Boateng's speech, given at General Synod in February 2022.
The RESPECT project
The RESPECT project – a project aimed at understanding the experiences and impacts of racism on 10 – 11 year olds, and which recommendations on how schools might better support children and teachers have launched a book to enable the children to talk in a positive way about themselves and their lives.
Racial Justice Sunday 2025 resources
