News Brief

Parishes across England and Wales will this weekend observe Racial Justice Sunday.

This year it is especially important for Catholics as it is also the 25th anniversary of the Catholic Association for Racial Justice (CARJ).

The theme is the ‘Changing Face of Britain and Ireland’, and it explores how racism can be challenged.

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI), the official ecumenical body, is anticipating that thousands of Christians across the country will mark the special day.

Racial Justice Sunday (RJS) has been celebrated on the second Sunday in September since 1989. Since September 1995 it has become a recognised ecumenical event marked by churches of widely differing traditions throughout Britain and Ireland.

A resource pack has been sent to over 2,000 parishes by CARJ and includes a poster, Biblical reflection, homilies, personal stories, suggested hymns and prayers, resources for work with young people, children’s activities and a prayer leaflet.

Bishop Kieran Conry, Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, said: “Racism is a sin that divides us. Racist ideologies and behaviour have no place in a civilized society. For the past 25 years, CARJ has been committed to combatting racism in all its forms, both within the Church and the wider society. Although much progress has been made in tackling overt racism through anti-discrimination laws, the reality of racism remains. CARJ's 25th anniversary affords us an important opportunity to redouble our efforts in addressing the racism that continues to divide our society.”

CTBI has produced materials for local churches which are available through their website. Hymns, sermons, biblical reflections, children's activities, stories and more can be downloaded at: http://www.ctbi.org.uk/396
Alternatively a pack can be downloaded from the CARJ website, http://www.carj.org.uk