This month our theme is 'Loving One Another' and part of that is celebrating our differences. Neil Masih, our Intercultural Mission Enabler, has interviewed four people from our diocese from different backgrounds about their experience of being part of the Church of England. This week the Revd John Samuels, curate at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church shares his thoughts.
As a Pakistani British Christian, I would like to share my belief with UKME/GMH ministers that I always work in multi-cultural congregations. I do not feel any difference between myself and other cultures and backgrounds. I always thrive working among people who are of different backgrounds and cultures.
When I joined the Church of England, I was highly welcomed. I have worked in four Anglican Churches where I was warmly welcomed, and my talent was recognised. I found it difficult at first to find my title post and became aware of issues regarding race and equality after being ordained in the Church of England. However, I believe my success in ministry is due to seeing myself not differently from others.