Racism in the Church of England: what’s the answer?

Apr 29, 2021 by Jill

by David Robertson, Christian Today:

The Church of England is racist. These are not my words; they are the words of Archbishop Justin Welby who last year told the Church of England’s General Synod, “I’m ashamed of our history and I’m ashamed of our failure. There is no doubt when we look at our own Church that we are still deeply institutionally racist.” But is he right? Does this apply to other churches too? And how should we deal with racism?

The Anti-Racism Taskforce of the C of E last week published an extraordinary report called “From Lament to Action”. However noble its intentions, there are a number of things about this report that make me uncomfortable. For one thing, it lumps all non-white people together, calling them UKME (United Kingdom Minority Ethnic). It also demands that they make up 30% of leadership positions in the Church and says that every diocese will have to appoint a ‘racial justice officer’ who must report to a ‘racial justice unit’.

The recommendations may be well-meaning in seeking to address the injustice of racism in the Church, but my trouble with them is that they are just critical race theory dressed in theological clothing. If I’m right, then I fear they will bring division rather than unity, and water down Christian doctrine, furthering the demise of the Church of England.

The release of the Church of England’s report into racism comes not long after the report from the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities, chaired by Thomas Sewell. This report, which was not well-received by some, warned about accusing organisations of institutional racism without proper evidence – a point I agree with him on.

In an altogether different response to the Sewell report, the London College of Bishops condemned it for creating “confusion, anger and despair”. I would argue that, while unpopular, Sewell’s report was based on facts that, however difficult or uncomfortable, ought to be engaged with, while the bishops’ response was based on feelings and ideology.

Read here

Read also: What Welby the Woke really should be apologising for . . . by Peter Mullen, The Conservative Woman

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