Check out photos from the celebration on our Flickr stream.

On Saturday 5 October, The Diocese of Southwark held its 17th annual thanksgiving service to celebrate Black History Month (BHM). The Most Revd and Rt Hon Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury presided over the service and gave an address recognising and celebrating the contribution of Southwark’s Global Majority Heritage church communities.

During a special mission weekend, Archbishop Justin visited the diocese for a range of events in parishes of different contexts and traditions – including the Cathedral – as part of a programme focused on prayer, deepening discipleship and growing faith – read more here.

A woman raises her hand while singing infront of a display of flowers in Southwark Cathedral

Black History Month Celebration at Southwark Cathedral

This year’s BHM event in partnership with The Southwark Diocesan Board of Education was inspired by the role of music in the scripture: My soul shall sing of your word, for all your commandments are righteous (Psalm 119, v172). Entitled ‘Music at the Heart of Change,’ the event included a eucharistic service followed by a panel discussion exploring the profound positive impact music has had on the black community and its power to transform worship and enhance witness – bringing hope, healing, restoration and justice.

The Very Revd Andrew Zihni, Dean of Gloucester preached. During his sermon, Andrew said, “There is something about music that simply transforms, that brings hope and provides a space for healing… all of us are the musicians of God’s love.”

During the service there were performances by St Saviour’s and St Olave’s School Gospel Choir and The Nigerian Chaplaincy Worship Team, based in south London.

The first reading Job 42.1-3, 6, 12-17 was read in Tamil by The Revd Canon Prem Dhanaraj, Honorary Canon and member of the Diocesan Racial Justic committee, and the responsorial psalm was read by The Revd Cordella Dawson, Vicar at St Philip, Norbury. Prayers were led by students from St Saviour’s & St Olave’s School.

Following the Archbishop’s address, attendees listened to a panel discussion facilitated by The Revd Canon Roxanne Eversley, Dean of Cultural Diversity. Archbishop Justin was joined by The Revd Andrew Mumby (Rector at St Peter’s Walworth), Sophia Jones (Communications Consultant), Joseph Gilder (Director of Music at St Saviour’s and St Olave’s C of E School) and Karen Gibson MBE (Founder and Conductor of The Kingdom Choir).

The discussion focused on exploring the powerful impact and influence music has to bring about change in various contexts – each panellist answered a series of questions and was invited to share their own personal testimony and connection with music.

The Bishop of Croydon, The Rt Revd Dr Rosemarie Mallett – lead bishop for racial justice said, “This year’s service was an opportunity for us to come together in unity to worship, sing and dance as we celebrate the power of music.

“The national BHM theme: ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ – marks a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of black history and culture and our service enabled us to listen to the diverse musical narratives of the Church across all its traditions.

“We are thankful to the Archbishop for his presence and are grateful to have welcomed back Andrew, who shared deeply encouraging words during his sermon. This is a time where we can surely come together and celebrate the rich diversity that is Southwark, as we reflect on music and its power to restore hope and transform our lives.”

The day concluded with everyone singing in unison to a chorus of ‘How Great Thou Art’.