As we mark Black History Month 2026, we are invited to celebrate the theme “Honouring Our Communities” and to recognise the richness, resilience and contribution of Black communities within our churches, our communities and wider society.
For Christians, this is more than a month of celebration. It is an opportunity to listen, learn, remember and give thanks for the many people whose faith, leadership, service, courage and witness have helped to shape our communities and the life of the Church.
Our faith reminds us that every person is created in the image of God. Scripture speaks of a Church that is called to be one body, where every member is valued and where difference is a gift:
“You are the body of Christ, and individually you are members of it.”
1 Corinthians 12:27
What Could You Do?
Black History Month provides an opportunity for every parishes, chaplaincy, and school to celebrate, learn and reflect. You might consider:
- Use the Blue Coat School Black History Month Prayer in a service.
- Include the Church of England Black History Month Collect in a service.
- Share local stories or testimonies within worship services.
Attend a local Black History Month event, using some of the suggestions listed below.
Worship Resources:
Church of England Liturgical resources
A Collect for Black History Month:
Compassionate God,
who sent Jesus Christ
to deliver us from all manner of injustices and inequalities,
create in us new hearts and enlarged visions,
to see the image of God in every person
irrespective of background, race and ethnicity.
May we be generous in our love of others
as we work towards ending misunderstanding, racism and injustice; creating communities of human flourishing,
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Blue Coat Church of England School, Coventry
One Community prayer. The prayer words are spoken by pupils from the school:
Churches together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI)
CTBI has produced a comprehensive set of church resources for Black History Month 2026. These include sermons, prayers, reflections, suggested Bible readings, hymns and songs, activities for adults and children, and a directory of additional resources.
Learning Resources:
Black History Month UK 2026
The Black History Month Resource Pack 2026 provides practical materials to help churches, schools and organisations plan activities throughout October.
At its heart is the Honouring Black Britain 2026 exhibition, featuring six A1 display posters celebrating 54 individuals whose lives demonstrate leadership, service, achievement and commitment to their communities.
West Midlands Regional Racial Justice Initiative (WMRJI)
The West Midlands Regional Racial Justice Initiative consists of six dioceses committed to embedding racial justice following the From Lament to Action Report. Coventry Diocese is involved in this work.
The WMRJI website has the latest news, resources and microgrant information to support racial justice.
Five Years on From Lament to Action
The WMRJI Board have issued a report reflecting on developments five years on From Lament to Action and features some of the progress made in Coventry diocese covering the microgrant scheme and work in parishes.
Diocesan Events:
Coventry Cathedral
Black History Month Service
Sunday 18th October, 10.30am
Guest Speaker: Bishop Anderson Jeremiah
R. Nathaniel Dett’s The Ordering of Moses
Coventry Cathedral brings a special performance of R. Nathaniel Dett’s The Ordering of Moses, one of the most significant large-scale choral works by a Black composer of the twentieth century.
Saturday 31st October, 7:30pm
Tickets & Information
Blue Coat Church of England School, Coventry
Black History Month Production
Wednesday 21st October, 6pm – 8pm
Booking details and tickets
Black History Month Celebration
A final invitation
As we mark Black History Month 2026, we encourage you to consider taking at least one step towards celebrating the diversity of God's people, listening to stories that may be unfamiliar, and giving thanks for the contributions of Black communities within our churches and society.
May Black History Month 2026 be a time of celebration, learning, thanksgiving and renewed commitment to becoming communities where everyone can flourish.
Neil Masih
Intercultural Mission Enabler