“We stand on the shoulders of giants in the good fight for racial justice.”
Around 100 people attended a Black History month service of worship and reflection in Norwich on Sunday 4th October. This is the third year running that the Diocese of Norwich has organised the annual service through the Racial Justice Action Group and the first time it was hosted by St Peter Mancroft church.
The theme for Black History month in Norfolk is ‘Honouring our Communities’.
The Bishop of Lynn, the Rt Revd Dr Jane Steen led the prayers and closed the service with a blessing.
The greeting and welcome were given by Revd Canon Edward Carter, Vicar of St Peter Mancroft church in Norwich. It was followed by an introduction from Revd Canon Karlene Kerr, who is the Chair of the Racial Justice Action Group. Revd Karlene introduced the service as being “in honour of the community of activists gone before us, men and women, black and white, so that all are afforded equality, welcome and dignity and to be freed from the mental slavery of racism.”
The African Choir of Norfolk, who sang at the installation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, opened the evening ahead of the welcome and introduction. Later in the service, the Choir of St Peter Mancroft sang ‘Deep River’ an African American Spiritual.
The sermon was given by Dr David Neita, lawyer, poet and international speaker. He spoke on the bible reading from Acts Ch 10 v 1-48. “God fearing people are in every culture” and ” The gift of God is for ALL of us.”
Children from St Nicholas Priory School in Great Yarmouth wrote a special poem about what makes a community.
After the service, there was an incredible spread of world food, including Jamaican jerk chicken and pea for all to enjoy. There was also a powerful printed display of information about Black Saints through history, written and curated by Revd Cheryl Ramballi, a member of the Racial Justice Action Group.
Overall, a thought provoking, reflective and joyous service celebrating communities across the world.
