Online Inclusive Gathering – Institutional Racism & the Church
May 30, 2021
04:00 pm - 06:30 pm
On Sunday, 30th May we’ll be looking at Rev Azariah France-William’s book Ghost Ship as fuel for our discussion of institutional racism, particularly in the church.
This will be part of our series looking at the practice of inclusion and what it does/ can look like in a variety of areas of life and faith. The clue is in the name, but we see inclusion as a core part of our spirituality and our justice-seeking as a community.
Earlier that week (25th of May) marks one year since the murder of George Floyd in the US. We’ll be making some space to pause and remember and mourn those who have been killed or abused or defamed SINCE George Floyd’s death due to racism.
We’ll reconvene on Zoom for a book club discussion of Ghost Ship at 5:15. (You don’t need to have read the book, and there will be casual hang-out spaces on the Zoom too).
You will need to be logged into a Zoom account with a public account name in order to access this Zoom.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85366995635?pwd=eGttTFl3by9wTzlIRjlxK3ZkY0xCdz09
Meeting ID: 853 6699 5635
Passcode: 123674
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About Ghost Ship: Institutional Racism in the Church of England (by Rev Azariah France-William)…
The Church is very good at saying all the right things about racial equality. But the reality is that the institution has utterly failed to back up these good intentions with demonstrable efforts to reform. It is a long way from being a place of black flourishing.
Through conversation with clergy, lay people and campaigners in the Church of England, A.D.A France-Williams issues a stark warning to the church, demonstrating how black and brown ministers are left to drown in a sea of complacency and collusion. While sticking plaster remedies abound, France-Williams argues that what is needed is a wholesale change in structure and mindset.
Unflinching in its critique of the church, Ghost Ship explores the harrowing stories of institutional racism experienced then and now, within the Church of England. Far from being an issue which can be solved by simply recruiting more black and brown clergy, says France-Williams, structural racism requires a wholesale dismantling and reassembling of the ship – before it is too late.
Ghost Ship is available to purchase online, OR you can listen to an interview with Azaraiah France-William on this episode of Nomad Podcast:
Azariah France-Williams & Natalia Nana – Black Aliens and White Allies (N235)
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About Inclusive Gathering Birmingham …
Inclusive Gathering Birmingham is a diverse church gathered together by a common dream: to become a truly inclusive faith community, where doubt and difference are a welcome part of our journey together toward Jesus. We believe that the way of Jesus leads us to the wild, radical idea that true spiritual community can be formed based on who is INCLUDED, not by who is EXCLUDED. We are a learning community, constantly growing and changing to live out this vision in new and expanding ways.
When we say “inclusion”, we mean much more than mere tolerance or welcome. We believe God wants us all to know that we actually belong. That means people of every race and ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity, age and background, HIV status, ability and disability, theological and political conviction are loved, invited, and fully included. Read more about what makes us tick at www.inclusivegathering.org.uk or send an email to newchurchbirmingham@gmail.com to ask questions or chat.
