We stand with you

Peter, in his role as Lay Chair for the Church of England in Luton, and Rev David Kesterton, Area Dean for Luton have today circulated this message to its many members of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, as well in as the whole Luton community.

We Stand With You: A statement from the Church of England in Luton

The recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and following week of protest and troubles across the USA have once again reminded us that injustice and deep societal divisions, driven significantly by structural racism, are far from being banished there as well as in our own society.

As representatives of the Church of England in Luton we want to acknowledge the deep concerns there are at this time among our Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) members.  We have just celebrated Pentecost when we were reminded that from its outset the Church was multicultural. More than ever we need to make that a reality today. It is only right therefore that at this time we commit to hear those concerns, learn from you and stand with you. As our archbishops have reminded us this week:  “Let us be clear: racism is an affront to God. It is born out of ignorance, and must be eradicated. We all bear the responsibility and must play our part to eliminate this scourge on humanity.”

Alongside these awful events in the USA, as the lockdown restrictions begin to ease, we want to acknowledge that the economic and social consequences of the COVID19 pandemic are biting harder.  Vulnerable communities become the first to suffer.  A report out yesterday by Public Health England  emphasised the “Disparities in the risk and outcome of COVID-19” to Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups.

In two weeks time we were due to be celebrating our now annual Windrush Service.  That will of course not now be taking place. However we take this opportunity to remember the amazing contribution to our society of people from the Caribbean, indeed all who have come to live and work here, and become a part of us.   Your place among us has never been more valued, but equally more at risk, than during the pandemic.

We conclude with words earlier today from Rev Grace Sentamu Baverstock, vicar of St Lukes Leagrave that say it well:   “Praying that we move beyond words and collective hand wringing, and that as the prophet says: ‘but let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never failing stream.’”

Rev David Kesterton, Vicar of All Saints and St Peter, Area Dean of Luton

Canon Peter Adams, Lay Chair, Luton Deanery

Note: Peter Adams wrote this blogpost for Hope not Hate of which he is a board member in response to the US crisis, exploring further the thoughts around Pentecost:    Faith and Deeds