“We are determined to create a future where every student receives an education free from racial injustice.”
Sarah Claflin is the Diocese of Norwich Schools Adviser for Racial Justice. Sarah says; “Our schools are committed to racial justice work, believing in the transformational power of education. Colleagues have formed a racial justice network whereby schools can share ideas, experiences and perspectives, creating a safe space for discussion and development.
“We work with five key strands; leadership; teaching and learning; power and voice; wellbeing and belonging and community and culture. By using this plan, schools are identifying areas for improvement and laying the groundwork for change.”
The Revd Canon Karlene Kerr is the Bishop’s Adviser for Racial Justice. Karlene says: “Many of Jesus’ metaphors for the Kingdom are about moving forward, growth and change, essentially transformation. Racial justice is about transforming unjust or exclusive structures that prevent individuals from flourishing.
These Kingdom values underpin this initiative in schools. The seeds of collaboration are being sown, and nurtured by the five key strands. How fitting that children, whom we are told ‘The Kingdom of God belongs to such as these’ are integral to its development.”
Shake Us From Our Slumber
When our eyes do not see the gravity of racial injustice,
Shake us from our slumber and open our eyes, O Lord.
When out of fear we are frozen into inaction,
Give us a spirit of bravery, O Lord.
When we try our best but say the wrong things,
Give us a spirit of humility, O Lord.
When it becomes easier to point fingers outwards,
Help us to examine our own hearts, O Lord.
Racism breaks your heart, break our hearts for what breaks yours, O Lord.
Ever present God, you called us to be in relationship with one another. Open our hearts that we may be bold in finding the riches of inclusion and the treasures of diversity among us. In your wisdom, Enlighten Us. In your kindness, Heal Us. Creator of All People, in your generosity, Guide Us. We pray in faith. Amen.
Excerpts from a prayer written by Dr Martin Luther King Jr, changes and additions are by the Revd Karlene Kerr