AN INDEPENDENT agency, Race Equality First, has been commissioned to analyze racist incidents within the Church of England.
The C of E’s director of racial justice, the Revd Guy Hewitt, said on Thursday: “Sadly, anecdotal evidence suggested that such occurrences are more common than appreciated.”
“For our GMH/UKME communities [Global Majority Heritage/UK Minoritised Ethnic], being stereotyped, neglected, or excluded, or facing harassment, hostile comments or microaggression are an all-too-common experience. Leaving such behaviours unchallenged or brushed under the carpet is seriously damaging each to individuals and our faith community.”
The report of the Archbishops’ anti-racism task force From Lament To Action (News, 22 April 2021) advisable the organising of a strong, independent system for handling complaints.
As a result, the Archbishops’ Commission for Racial Justice has appointed Race Equality First to collect details about racist incidents and the way complaints are handled.
The agency will not be expected to resolve matters complained about, although they will offer confidential counselling and independent advice. The object is to tell the Commission for Racial Justice of the extent of the issue and recommend improvements to be certain that any criticism is handled thoroughly and sensitively, and that “effective redress is on the market”.
Race Equality First is an agency of the Race Equality Foundation, a national charity addressing racial inequality in public services. It will be contacted on 029 2048 6207.
