Neil Masih, Diocesan Intercultural Mission Enabler, introduces Black History Month 2025.
The theme for Black History Month UK 2025 is “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” a powerful tribute to the resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to progress that defines the Black community across the globe. This year, the theme highlights the profound contributions made by Black people be they leaders, activists, or pioneers who have shaped history, while also looking towards a future of continued empowerment, unity, and growth.
The Diocese of Coventry is celebrating cultural diversity by reflecting on some of the benefits of having a culturally diverse church and community. To highlight this there is a focus on two of our Urban Plant Churches, one of which has benefited from the West Midlands Regional Racial Initiative (WMRRJI) Justice Grant scheme to celebrate diversity.
St Oswald’s Tile Hill, Coventry were successful in an application for this grant and we will be sharing the success of this and how it has benefitted the church and community through two events - ‘World Dance, Music & Food’ and a ‘World Crafts Day’.
St. Peter’s Hillfields, who celebrated an African Worship day in May this year. These will be featured on the diocese webpage and social media platforms.
Personal Reflection
As we mark BHM Month we give thanks to God for the rich heritage, culture and contributions of the Black communities that have blessed our churches cities and nation. Scripture reminds us that:
‘there is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all.' (Ephesians 4: 4-6) In Christ we are all one family, however, we haven’t always got it right when we consider the history of injustice, racism and exclusion that has caused division and wounds.
What is our responsibility as Gods chosen people to racial injustice?
It’s easy to follow the wide road but as we travel on the narrow road that leads to Jesus we need to have the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide us to ensure that we show justice to all regardless of race, colour or creed. We are unlikely to find the answer in the modern world where there seems to be increasing fear and threat to unity, so here can we turn to? The Bible leads us to the follow Gods way rather than the influences of the world:
"For you are a people holy to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth." Deuteronomy 14.2
I will be praying that BHM will be a time for us to reflect and hear Gods voice so that we are all aspiring to bring about reconciliation and racial equality in our churches, homes and communities by:
- Listening deeply
- Walking humbly
- Sharing the Gospel
- Staying Strong Through Prayer
- Rejoicing in the beauty of Gods People
May the Holy Spirit guide you on this journey.
Social Media Focus
We will also be featuring people from the Black community who have contributed to British Society through their commitment to the armed and naval services and information can be found using the QR code next to the featured person’s picture. These will be on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
There will also be a weekly feature on those who have stood firm in the face of adversary and have continued in their fight for racial justice. These include Bishop Rose Hudson Wilkin, Rev Les Isaacs and Bishop Wilfred Wood.
Some key dates during Black History in my diary
Sunday 5th October
Celebrating Cultural Diversity Sermon delivery at St. Mark’s Church Leamington
Saturday 11th October 6.30pm - 9.00pm
An evening of Music and Celebration of Cultural Diversity
St. Pauls Foleshill Coventry 70th Anniversary Celebration
Sunday 19th October
Celebrating Ethnic Diversity Sermon – Sermon delivery at St. Pauls Foleshill
Resources
The report publishes recommendations from the Archbishops’ Commission for Racial Justice, which concluded its three-year mandate in November last year, with a final report presented to the General Synod in February.
Writing in the foreword to the report, the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, described progress towards racial justice in the Church of England as ‘painfully slow’.
The document also includes reflections on the Church of England’s progress since the 2021 From Lament to Action report was published, calling for change in the Church of England after ‘decades of inaction’ on racial justice.
Being Built Together includes profiles of Church of England Bishops, along with Deans and Archdeacons, from minority ethnic heritage and personal testimonies from senior clergy of their experiences of racism.
The West Midlands Racial Justice Initiative (WMRJI) is committed to advancing racial justice by transforming church structures and communities across the region. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus and in partnership with six Midlands’ (including Coventry) dioceses and the National Church, we work to dismantle systemic racism, ensuring that every individual, regardless of race or background, belongs, thrives, and experiences the love of God.
The West Midlands Racial Justice Black History Month resources include:
- Faith Reflection & Why Racial Justice matters today
- Liturgical Resources
- Suggested Hymns
- Scripture Readings
- Benediction
- Community Engagement Ideas
- Link to posters
These could be useful for you for worship services, social media or in for use in small prayer groups.
The Breeze Translate app is an affordable app for churches and community events to use weekly in their events, allowing congregations and members to engage live with sermons, talks and presentations using captions and audio translated into hundreds of languages. Read their reflection for Black History Month here.