On this page you can find prayer and worship and theological resources. In particular this page includes materials for occasions highlighting Racial Justice.
On this page
Worship resources for particular Sundays & times in the year
Racial Justice Sunday
Racial Justice Sunday is marked annually on the second Sunday in February.
The day is for all churches to reflect on the importance of racial justice, to give thanks for the gifts and beauty of human diversity, and to commit to end racism and acts of discrimination.
Sunday 9 February 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of Racial Justice Sunday.
The 'Coat of Many Colours' themed resources from Churches Together in Britain and Ireland have been produced to help churches take part in Racial Justice Sunday and include prayers and worship resources.
Windrush Day
Windrush day is marked annually on 22 June. It commemorates the anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush at Tilbury in 1948. Empire Windrush was carrying passengers from the the Caribbean who were invited to start a new life in the UK, following the Second World War.
Prayers of intercession for Windrush Day can be found on the link below.
These were written by Hazel Thomas and Vevet Deer.
Vevet Deer
Vevet is an active lay member of the Barking Episcopal Area and is an Evangelism Enabler at Holy Trinity Harrow Green Leytonstone. Vevet has also been the Lay Chair of Waltham Forest deanery since 2011 and was until recently a member of the College of Canons at the Cathedral. Vevet is also member of the Barking Area Mission. In March 2024, Vevet was a recipient of Maundy Money in recognition of her many years of outstanding Christian service.
Hazel Thomas
Hazel is activity involved in the life of Chelmsford Diocese at a parish, deanery and diocesan level. Hazel is Churchwarden at East Ham Holy Trinity and is the Deanery Secretary of Newham Deanery. Hazel is also member of the Barking Area Mission and Pastoral Committee and Bishop’s Council.
Windrush Day Service 2024
On Friday 21 June, Chelmsford Diocese Racial Justice Officer, the Revd Sharon Quilter, led a service at the Port of Tilbury to commemorate the historic arrival of the Empire Windrush 76 years ago.
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The passenger walkway at Tilbury docks now decorated with artwork commemorating those who arrived on HMT Empire Windrush.
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Across the 432 glass panes, photographs, documents, original boat tickets and memorabilia cover the windows, accompanied by the audio stories of the lives of elders featured in the art experience.
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The Rev Sharon Quilter led a special Windrush Service at Tilbury Docks
Windrush Day Diocesan Weekly Video Sermon
The Revd Sharon Quilter has recorded the Diocesan Weekly Video Sermon for Sunday 23 June 2024 marking Windrush Day. Sharon is delivering the sermon from Tilbury Docks.
Black History Month
In 2024, Black History Month will run from Tuesday 1 October to Thursday 31 October.
Liturgical Resources for Black History Month from the Church of England can be found on the link below:
Celebrating Changemakers
During Black History Month 2024 we are celebrating the achievements of change-makers in our diocese. Is there someone in your church, worshipping community or church school who has delivered positive, Christ centred, change? If so, we would love to hear their story!
Climate Justice is Racial Justice
In 2023 we organised a series of online and face-to-face events covering the Season of Creation and Black History Month. Focusing on the Season of Creation theme "Let Justice and Peace Flow" we explored the relationship between climate justice and racial justice under the umbrella 'Climate Justice is Racial Justice'.
