Prayer Diary
Page last updated: Sunday 10th November 2024 6:07 PM
Today's Prayer
Racial Justice Sunday
Racial Justice Sunday is an ecumenical observance which began in 1995 in Britain and Ireland following the murder of Black teenager Stephen Lawrence in South London, on 22 April 1993. It provides an opportunity for all churches to reflect on the importance of racial justice, to give thanks for the gifts and beauty of human diversity, and to commit to end racism and acts of discrimination.
It is, however, more than an annual reminder of the Church’s commitment to the task of anti-racism. In the words of Richard Reddie from Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, this Sunday represents “a call for Christians to engage in the righteous struggle for racial justice, because racial justice is everyone’s business”.
Racism and racial discrimination are issues of justice because they deny basic human dignity to men and women made in God’s image. In Christ, our differences are not simply erased but rather embraced, valuing the unique ways we each reflect the image of God.
Merciful God, you are righteous and love justice: stir the hearts of your people that, rejoicing in our diversity, we may repent of the wrongs of the past, and, by your grace, seek the peaceable kingdom of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Racial Justice Sunday is an ecumenical observance which began in 1995 in Britain and Ireland following the murder of Black teenager Stephen Lawrence in South London, on 22 April 1993. It provides an opportunity for all churches to reflect on the importance of racial justice, to give thanks for the gifts and beauty of human diversity, and to commit to end racism and acts of discrimination.
It is, however, more than an annual reminder of the Church’s commitment to the task of anti-racism. In the words of Richard Reddie from Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, this Sunday represents “a call for Christians to engage in the righteous struggle for racial justice, because racial justice is everyone’s business”.
Racism and racial discrimination are issues of justice because they deny basic human dignity to men and women made in God’s image. In Christ, our differences are not simply erased but rather embraced, valuing the unique ways we each reflect the image of God.
Merciful God, you are righteous and love justice: stir the hearts of your people that, rejoicing in our diversity, we may repent of the wrongs of the past, and, by your grace, seek the peaceable kingdom of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.
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