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Racial Justice Sunday – 8 February 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.
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.”
Download the Southwark Anti-Racism Charter Pack
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
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
