Racial Justice Sunday

Racial Justice Sunday will be remembered on Sunday 9th February 2025.

What is Racial Justice Sunday? This day is a time to reflect on the importance of racial justice issues. In 2024 the theme explored the movement of people from their homelands to new places, examining the motivations behind their journeys and the reception they received. This year's theme is 'Coat of Many Colours'.

When did Racial Justice Sunday start? Racial Justice Sunday started in 1995.

Why is the Church interested in Racial Justice Sunday? It's a time for churches to come together to pray and take action with the aim of creating a more just and inclusive society.

Where can we find more information about Racial Justice Sunday? Resources for Racial Justice Sunday are located on the Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) website. An order of service is produced each year based on that year's theme, and is made available on the website. The resources aim to inform, challenge, and inspire everyone.

Is it compulsory for Congregations to observe Racial Justice Sunday? Each Church leader, congregation committee or lay preacher can decide to participate by using the material available to inform their congregation on the concerns and issues raised. Being informed will allow us to be specific with our prayers and allows us to raise the concerns individually and collectively to Members of Parliament (MPs).

Prayers: The following prayers were available on the CTBI website in 2022 and available for use by you even today.

Prayer of Commitment to Racial Justice (used in 2022): 'God of light and truth, you call all men and women to live lives of holiness and justice. Help us to see in one another: a heart which is tender, a mind which is humble and a care for our brothers and sisters; so that together we may build up the Body of Christ as a sign of hope and mercy for all. We make this prayer through Jesus our Lord. Amen.'

Prayer for Refugees and Migrants (used in 2022): 'Lord Jesus Christ, in your ministry you were approached by people of many different nations and cultures. You listened to their cry for help, treated them with love and compassion, and brought them healing and wholeness. In our own time may we provide to all those who are suffering the help that they need and the care that they require. May we respond to the invitation of the Holy Spirit to dream of a world made new where the poor are not forgotten but are given the opportunity to live and flourish with good health and equal prospects. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.'

(You can find the website clicking this link: https://ctbi.org.uk/category/witnessing-together/racial-justice/racial-justice-sunday)

Br Edwin Quildan

Provincial Board