Racial Justice

The national Lament to Action Report 2021 has been instrumental in beginning the long overdue work to bring about Racial Justice and Reconciliation within our church and society. Any tolerance of inequality on grounds of race devalues God’s creation, and the church must be committed to confronting the sinful reality of persistent and pernicious racism. There is much to repent of and still much work to do.  To achieve it will involve change at every level: National, Diocesan, Parish and Church. The Diocesan Racial Justice Strategy was formed by our Racial Justice Advisory Group who: 

• Have lived experience 
• Are ready to challenge our structures, policies and other areas yet to be identified 
• Will consistently review strategy and changes to working practices 
• Will consistently help us to find opportunities and remove blockages 

Bishop Philip leads the Advisory Group as it takes the diocesan strategy forward to implementation.  In this, the Advisory Group will call upon the Racial Justice Adviser alongside a wide range of diocesan staff for expert knowledge and advice. We are delighted that the following individuals have agreed to be part of our Advisory Group: 

• Mel Osborne, Brockenhurst 
• Yin-Yin Bull, Blackwater & Thorngate 
• Bev Price, Southampton St Mark 
• Stephen Bennett, Brockenhurst 
• Bruce Viney, Bournemouth St Clement 
• John Davies, Basingstoke  
• Serena Merritt, Fawley 
• Tess Kuin Lawton, Winchester Cathedral 
• Sathya Brunda, Basingstoke 
• Tola Otudeko, Basingstoke 
• Abosede Oriolowo, St Swithun’s Bournemouth 
• Abielle Inegbene, Lord’s Hill Southampton 
• Jane Barnicoat-Chongwe, Marchwood & Eling 
• Phillip Attwood, Holy Epiphany, Bournemouth