The Misson Adviser at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, Elliot Vanstone, shares his thoughts on the CTE Enabling Group in October 2024.
St Augustine once said, “Hope has two daughters: Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and courage to see that they do not remain as they are.” These words echoed through the conversations and reflections of the Autumn 2024 CTE Enabling Group, a gathering deeply focused on racial justice and inclusion. In a country that is growing more diverse each day, the call to understand and address these issues has never been more urgent. With new leadership and a renewed commitment to justice, the event sought to channel anger into productive action and courage into lasting change.
At this meeting, the CTE members elected Rev Dr Callan Slipper as the new Chair of the Trustee Board and the Convenor of the Enabling Group. Stepping into the role after Rowena Loverance’s six-year tenure, Rev Callan will face the challenge of guiding a community eager for progress and ready to confront the painful truths of racial injustice.
The gathering acknowledged the dedicated service of Rowena Loverance. Her leadership has been marked by wisdom, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to fostering unity and understanding. Rowena’s guidance through challenging times and her passion for justice and inclusion have left a lasting impact on the CTE family who wished her every blessing in the next chapter of her journey.
Symbolic gestures to concrete actions
A significant part of the meeting was a presentation by members of the CTE Racial Justice Working Group. They spoke candidly about the progress made, but they did not shy away from acknowledging the road still ahead. It was a sobering reminder that hope is not passive; it demands continual effort and the willingness to face uncomfortable truths. The team outlined the next steps, emphasising the need to move from symbolic gestures to concrete actions that dismantle systemic inequities.
Richard Reddie, a key voice on racial justice and reparations for Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, brought a powerful message to the gathering, grounding his reflections in the biblical text of Genesis 1:27: “So God created humankind in his own image.” His words served as a reminder that every person carries the divine image, challenging the community to see racial justice as a matter of sacred worth. He spoke of the pain carried by marginalised communities, and the deep scars left by histories of exploitation. Yet, alongside this pain, there was a call to repair and rebuild—to seek a future where justice is paramount.
Sharon Prentis, who works on racial justice within the Church of England, shared her own struggles in challenging an institution that has, at times, resisted change. She spoke with a vulnerability that resonated deeply, detailing the tension between the ideals of faith and the realities of dealing with people adverse to change. Her story became a testament to the courage needed to confront injustice from within, even when the path is fraught with obstacles.
Collective growth
CTE’s ‘Living Well with Diversity’ offered a refreshingly honest reflection on the challenges they have faced in their discussions on human sexuality. Their willingness to address this difficult and contentious issue head-on was a reminder that true dialogue is not about agreement, but about understanding. Members of the group shared personal stories of conversations that had been uncomfortable but necessary and of the collective growth that emerged from this process.
As the discussions unfolded, the stories from local ecumenical groups and respective member bodies painted a picture of grassroots efforts taking place across the country. From the innovative approaches of the Pioneer Church to the rich traditions of the Antiochian Orthodox Church, who both presented in the ‘From our tradition’ slot, it became clear that the work of justice is not confined to meeting rooms or policy documents. It is found in the everyday acts of compassion, in communities that seek to embody the values of equity and inclusion.
Watch the video of Pioneer ‘From our tradition’ presented by Steve Clifford.
Watch the video of Antiochian Orthodox Church ‘From our tradition’ presented by Fr Boniface Carroll.
The event concluded with a poignant reflection from Bishop Tedroy Powell, one of the CTE Presidents. He urged those gathered to integrate the lessons of these 24 hours into their own traditions, quoting Gustav Mahler: “Tradition is the handing on of the flame, and not worshipping the ashes.” His words served as a powerful reminder that traditions must evolve if they are to remain relevant and meaningful.
For those present, the gathering was more than just a series of talks and discussions; it was a call to action. Anger at the injustices of the present and courage to create a better future were not just concepts but felt realities. As we, the attendees, departed, there was a shared understanding that the journey towards racial justice is far from over, but with anger and courage as our guide, it is a journey we are ready to face together.