ONE
A biblical discussion on racism, ethnicity and justice
The UK's recent race disparity audit has spotlighted realities about ethnic disparity
that many have experienced first hand for decades.
We are more ethnically diverse than ever, but differences in our treatment and quality of life are stark.
Asian and Black households are more likely to be poor and to face persistent poverty than other ethnic groups.
Achievement at school tends generally to track economic advantage,
but black Caribbean pupils seem to face a consistent disadvantage, even in wealthier homes.
Despite significant reductions in the last ten years, black men are still three and half times more likely
to be stopped by police than white men.
What might be even more disappointing to those of us who call ourselves Christians is that our churches are not immune to racial discrimination—and too often fail to live out a biblical vision for ethnicity and racial inclusion.
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Jason's story Esther's story
So how can we address these challenges in both our churches and broader society?
ONE aims to help churches hold biblical conversations around these issues.
These discussions might only be a first step ….. but no journey was ever achieved without it.
The resources on this page will help churches hold and pursue this conversation.
ONE: a panel discussion, and discussion starter ….
Please find accompanying notes for local church leaders here.
A short trailer is available here - for use in churches (and elsewhere) to promote engagement
with the panel discussion film.
Further reading ....
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Why racism in our churches is more widespread than you think.
To read the Premier Christianity article click here
Further resources / background viewing and reading
Review of ONE by John Root on his blog Out of Many, One People - see here.
Root describes his blog as ''a blog which I intend to send out weekly to encourage and develop the ministry of
multi-ethnic churches. It will contain comment pieces, reviews, bible studies and other information which I think
may be helpful. I have ministered for fifty years in multi-ethnic parishes across a range of contexts in London,
including planting two Asian language congregations.''.
Root describes his blog as ''a blog which I intend to send out weekly to encourage and develop the ministry of
multi-ethnic churches. It will contain comment pieces, reviews, bible studies and other information which I think
may be helpful. I have ministered for fifty years in multi-ethnic parishes across a range of contexts in London,
including planting two Asian language congregations.''.
David Olusoga - ''Black and British: A forgotten history - explores the enduring relationship
between Britain and people whose origins lie in Africa. Watch it on iPlayer here.
For a sense of what it feels like to be a minority in a majority culture
Noughts and Crosses - based on Malorie Blackman's novels - set in a dystopian London. Sephy and Callum fall in love
despite the odds. Can they breach the divide between the black elite and white underclass?
Watch it on iPlayer here