On Saturday 7 February 2026, we hosted Truth-Telling in Sacred Spaces at Southwark Cathedral.
The day was an opportunity for clergy and lay leaders of Global Majority Heritage and allies within the diocese to reflect on how history, memory, and contested heritage all shape our shared worship and church life.
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In her welcome, The Rt Revd Rosemarie Mallett, Bishop of Croydon and national co-lead Bishop for Racial Justice talked about the purpose of the gathering, as “a space for deepening our commitment to justice and reconciliation”. It was a bold and reflective programme, with a series of talks and panel discussions – where all were given an opportunity to prayerfully come together, focus and engage on response and reflection, storytelling, healing and repair as part of our ongoing commitment to justice, reconciliation and mission. Keynote speaker, Senator and Canon Missioner Dr John Rogers, Diocese of Barbados delivered a powerful message on advocating for equity and equality and the importance of uncovering the past to heal as part of engaging in truth-telling.
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The day was also a reminder of our work in the space of anti-racism and the resources available to enhance ethnic diversity and inclusion. The gathering concluded with a special choral eucharist and the world premiere of a new mass setting composed by Errollyn Wallen CBE – the first black person to be appointed as Master of the King’s Music. The composition, sung by the Croydon Minster Choir has been commissioned by our diocese and illustrates an intentional focus on embedding justice within worship as part of our Anti-Racism Charter (ARC). A reception followed with performances by the Soul Sanctuary Gosepl Choir – an inspiring and encouraging finish to the day that drew on many different threads of work.
Find out more about Truth-Telling in Sacred Spaces here
Read the full “Truth-Telling in Sacred Spaces” Booklet here
Watch recordings of the following events
| Events (click to watch) | Speaker/Moderator | Downloads |
| 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
