Church responses to racism

UK Churches were largely responsible for the Race Relations Act being brought in. Statements from all Christian denominations show they agreed there is no place for racism in Christianity. The belief that God created everyone in his own image opposes racism. Churches are trying to change their own behaviour, by welcoming people from different ethnic backgrounds, and allowing more to become ministers, etc.

The Church of England

1993: CofE debate “Rejoicing in Suffering” to talk about Africa and the Christians there. CofE agreed that Christians should acknowledge the contribution made by Africans to the Church, and try to learn from them. Missionary work was still important, but this role should change into one of partnership.

The Church of England has been honest in admitting its racism, and is working hard to remove it. E.g.

1. Committee for Minority Ethnic Anglican Concerns – tackles racism in the C of E.
2. 1985 Report “Faith in the City”: CofE should “make space for” and include black Christians fully.
3. 1990 Report “Seeds of Hope” : The structure of the CofE is racist, NOT the people, i.e. CofE has
   “institutional racism’, and this must change.
4. Report “The Passing Winter” : changes in the CofE have happened, but racism is still not gone.

Roman Catholic Church

“The Church and Racism” : 1988 Report

• Everyone is created in the image of God – salvation open to all.
• Pointed out that RC Church has condemned racism in the past, e.g.
  • 1537 Pope Paul III said keeping a black as a slave = excommunication.
  • 1888 Pope Leo XIII outlawed the slave trade in his letter “In Plurimis”.
  • RC Church fought against Nazis in WW2.
• Pope John Paul II has condemned the fact that Christians contributed to the slave trade.
• Apartheid in South Africa must be abolished.
• Racism must be fought against, inside and outside Church. Catholic Schools must educate children.

We are created by God in his image. Christ’s salvation is for all; we all have the same destiny. We have physical and mental differences, but discrimination is wrong and is alien to God’s design. Catholics support anything which fights against racism. RC Church works for human rights, and has its own “Justice and Peace” groups.

United Reform Church (URC)

1. Creation: All humans created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). “There is only one human race.”
2. Redemption : Jesus died to save all people. Barriers between race, sex, etc., are over.

   “The URC believes that all people are created in God’s image, free and equal in his sight.”

   URC “Declaration on Racism”, May 1987

   “Every human being created in the image of God is a person for whom Christ died. Racism……..is an assault on Christ’s values, and a rejection of his sacrifice.”

   World Council of Churches, 1980

The Quakers

Condemn racism. 18th Century, slave owners or slave traders not allowed to become Quakers.