Bishop Karowei
Have you experienced racism in the C of E
Yes, I have experienced Racism in my ministry of over twenty five years in the Church of England.
If yes, what was it and how was it dealt with
I won’t like to go into any of those examples now, because they were dealt with and I am mindful that we are all sinners saved by grace, through Christ.
Do you think the C of E is institutionally racist? Have things improved over the years
I have been confronted with this same question in the past, and my response has been that, there is nothing like the ‘C of E’ in that sense, especially when you realise that each Diocese is an autonomous entity. And, our experiences have been different from one diocese to the other. So, I tend to speak more of “Unconscious Bias”.
As one of only two Black Bishops in the C of E what has been your experience
As one of two Black Bishops in the Church, I have experienced Christian Love, Respect from Clergy Colleagues and Laity, Hospitality, Kindness, Understanding, Empathy and a variety of wonderful responses of love, which far outweighs the not so good experiences I have also encountered.
How can the situation be better improved
As a Man of God and Bishop in the Church, my first response about how the situation can be improved is; Prayer, then we can talk about Theological Education and Teaching to raise awareness that the Race Theory is a social construct developed for the benefit of a few, because we are all created in the image and likeness of God, and to Celebrate our Ethnic differences as a gift from God in Creation, as members of the one and only Human Race.
What are your thoughts on the Diocese of Southwark Anti-Racism Charter
On the Diocese of Southwark’s Anti – Racism Charter; I am glad to say that I am part of that change in Southwark Diocese. Thank God for the leadership of Bishop Christopher Chessun our Diocesan Bishop, Ruth Martin our Diocesan Secretary, Ven Dr Rosemarie Mallet our Diocesan Lead on Minority Issues and all those who worked with her to produce the Charter and lastly the DCT for uanimously approving it. This is an example of good practice that others could emulate because it is now not enough to be anything else, but, to be anti-racist.
What are your thoughts on Lament To Hope
My thoughts on Lament to Hope are; Thank God for the report and its recommendations, it’s a watershed moment for us in the C of E to honour God and strive for a future where these gospel imperatives would be the order of the day and these issues would be behind us.
Do you think that the Diocesan Minority Ethnic Anglican Concerns Committee (DMEACC) and Area MEACCs are important and if so why
I believe very strongly that the MEACCs and DMEACCs are important because there is still a lot of work to be done. They will help us to stay focused as we forge on.
What are your hopes for the future of the C of E
My hopes for the future of the C of E is in God, who gives us Hope in Christ against all the odds. So I celebrate this real, living and sustainable Hope in our Risen Lord and Saviour, that as we listen to the Holy Spirit and obey, God will continue to bless the Church.
What advice would you give to UKME Lay and Clergy who may be disillusioned with the C of E
My advice to any UKME Lay or Clergy who may be disillusioned with the C of E is this; Trust in God who called you to this, and put your Hope in the Living, Risen and Exalted Saviour Jesus Christ. He is our real Hope, not any human institution. Remember, “He is Faithful, who has called you; And, He will do it” (I Thessalonians 5:24)
Revd Sandra Schloss
Have you experienced racism in the C of E
Yes, although at first sight it is not seen as racism
If yes, what was it and how was it dealt with
When I went to BAP, I wanted to be considered for incumbent status, however, despite being a manager in the civil service where I managed several staff for many years, I was not considered as a leader. It was stated that I Iacked confidence, despite me doing well in the presentation and all the discussions.
Do you think the C of E is institutionally racist? Have things improved over the years
Yes the Church of England is institutionally racist, yes things are improving and I do believe that within Southwark we have made headway much more than other Dioceses
How can they be better improved
By looking at UKME people and seeing us as leaders, for far too long they look at us and think we are not good enough. this needs to change
What are your thoughts on the Diocese of Southwark Anti-Racism Charter
The ARC is an excellent document and if acted upon and followed up in all the Parishes/Deaneries as it should it will be a real living document
What are your thoughts on From Lament To Hope
From Lament To Hope is also an excellent document, however, I just hope it is realistic. It seems as though a lot of funding will be needed to take the actions that are recommended and I just pray the The Church are prepared to invest that. If they do it is definitely worth it, otherwise the Church loses so much good people that would otherwise be a blessing to the church
Do you think that the Diocesan Minority Ethnic Anglican Concerns Committee (DMEACC) and Area MEACCs are important and if so why
DMEACC and Area MEACCs are definitely important as they give a voice to the people on the ground, DMEAC is needed so the Diocesan Bishop will know the feeling of the people in the parishes, without which it is just voices speaking with nowhere to go.
What are your hopes for the future of the C of E
To recognise that UKME people are leaders, to accept that we are different but the same, and with gifts to offer. We have talents that should not be buried but should be used and so multiplied. To ensure racial awareness is taught throughout the various institutions connected with the church of England.