Archdeacon of Macclesfield, Ian Bishop, speaks to churchwarden, Julius Kililiku about Black History Month, which takes place during the month of October. Julius was brought up in Kenya and speaks on how the Church of England played a big part in his life, inspiring him to move to the UK and contribute to church life in Bidston.
A software engineer by trade, Julius also helps to look after people with disabilities, rough sleepers, and people with drug addictions. He came to be in England after meeting two voluntary missionaries in Kenya, who had traveled from the UK. "I wouldn't be what I am now if they hadn't come", says Julius.
Julius and Ian discuss how the church has played a huge part in Black History across Julius's home country of Kenya, and across the African continent. Julius is a member of the Race and Ethnicity forum in the diocese and is "playing a very significant part... for good".
Julius explains to Ian how his faith is 'very deep, seeing how you plant one seed, growing and blossoming and spreading other seeds. And that for me is what faith is."
October marks Black History Month, an event held across the UK in recognition of the contribution and achievements made by people from African or Caribbean heritage. Liturgical resources from the Church of England for use by all churches during Black History Month can be downloaded here.
Watch the full conversation below.