A group of Christian leaders in Chester, including the Acting Bishop of Chester, the Dean of Chester, and the Archdeacon of Chester have released a statement asking God to “bring an end to racial injustice”.
The group, from a wide cross-section of Christian denominations, said they wish to "build relationships in our city" and that through "listening we can shape the policies, practices and priorities of the institutions, churches, businesses and services of our city."
In early June 2020, shortly after the death of Geroge Floyd in the US, crowds of people gathered outside Chester’s Townhall for a “socially distanced protest”, which was organised by BLM Chester.
The statement reads:
"As Christian leaders in Chester we know that silence is no longer an option: Black Lives Matter.
Following the recent murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis we make it clear that we are appalled by the violence committed against a human being created in the image of God. Racial justice is not just a black or white issue; it is a Kingdom of God issue. Jesus came to destroy every dividing wall of hostility to make one new humanity in Christ.
The Christian scriptures contain a vision of the justice that Christ established through his life, death and resurrection: He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. In contrast to this, we recognise that racism is embedded in many institutions and cultures – including our own. For this we are truly sorry.
We recognise that we have allowed ourselves to become estranged from God’s heart and we have at times disregarded the people He loves including those from the Black, Asian and other ethnic minorities in our own churches and communities.
We recognise we need to listen to and learn from our Black, Asian and other ethnic minorities sisters and brothers. We need to reflect, repent and act differently across our city to forge together a better future where all have a voice, are able to contribute and live free from fear and oppression.
We wish to build relationships in our city so we value others, irrespective of differences, addressing problems together and finding common cause with partners and friends to forge a better future together.
We hope that through our listening we can shape the policies, practices and priorities of the institutions, churches, businesses and services of our city.
May God transform our hearts, renew our minds and lead us forwards in humility and love."
A full list of supporters can be found here.
Who is your neighbour?
The Diocese of Chester last week announced plans to host an event in response to and in recognition of the huge impact that the death of George Floyd, and the subsequent protests, have had on the world.
The event, Who is your neighbour? is a series of conversations with members of black and minority ethnic communities in the Diocese of Chester.
Anyone affected by racism is invited to "engage in the conversations and to reflect together about what we can do to" to tackle issues of race and equality across our diocese.
The event will be chaired by the Revd Canon Lameck Lutete, Vicar of Tattenhall, Cheshire, who shared a recorded video across the diocese in which he reflected on the death of George Floyd in the US.
He says: "As Christians, we are committed to playing our part in seeing racism eradicated and the restoration of justice for all. For so long the oppressed voice has been crying, 'I can't breathe, take your knee off my neck.'
"But the perpetrators of injustice have been silent.
"Finally, God spoke through George and the words went into flames of unquenchable fire. His final utterings have shaken the world and transformed it forever."
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