Update: A follow up statement from 28 July is also available: ‘CTE Presidents call all churches to address racial injustice in church life and wider society’.
Press statement, 12 June 2020
Presidents of Churches Together in England (CTE) are listening carefully to black voices, including young people, black leaders in the churches and those who have worked to combat racism over many years.
In a statement they say:
Churches Together in England Presidents are deeply concerned about the lack of racial justice in our society and, in the wake of George Floyd’s death, have convened a series of meetings so they can listen to a range of black voices and hear the views of key black leaders. They believe that such engagement will enable them, as CTE Presidents, to increase their understanding of this deep-rooted lack of equality and so come to a position where they can make an active contribution towards a constructive and just way forward that enacts real and urgent change.
Further information
Representatives of CTE’s 50 Member Churches met for their biannual Enabling Group meeting in early March 2020, and welcomed a presentation from the Movement for Justice and Reconciliation (MJR). MJR’s exhibition and presentation, reflecting on the history and legacy of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, was a profoundly moving and disturbing experience. Churches are invited to both reflect upon the challenge of racial justice within their own communities, and to contribute to the larger struggle to bring about a just and inclusive society.
Presidents of Churches Together in England:
Archbishop Justin Welby, The Archbishop of Canterbury
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster
Revd Dr Hugh Osgood, The Free Churches Moderator
Archbishop Angaelos of London, Archbishop of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of London and CTE President for the Orthodox Churches
Pastor Agu Irukwu, head of RCCG UK and CTE Pentecostal President
Notes
- Churches Together in England (CTE) is the national ecumenical instrument supporting and encouraging churches from a wide range of traditions to work together in unity. Nationally, CTE brings together 50 Member Churches from many diverse traditions. In fact, we unite the broadest range of churches in the whole of Europe. CTE’s strapline is: One in Christ Jesus, engaged in God’s mission, empowered by the Spirit. Read more about CTE.
- A growing number of churches from the Churches Together in England (CTE) family have spoken out following the death of George Floyd in the United States and protests around the world against racial injustice. A range of statements from CTE Member Churches are available at www.cte.org.uk/TakeAStand
- Read more about CTE’s Presidents.
Contact
For further information, please contact CTE’s General Secretary, Rev Dr Paul Goodliff, by email or on 07741 893 141.