Dear Family

It's time to say sorry. 

This is an important statement from us (Cris, Beki and Wardens) to respond as a leadership team to the events of the last few days and weeks. This is important for all of us, so please take the time to read it and prayerfully consider your own response.

We recognise the pain and hurt to so many caused by individual and systemic racism going back far too long, and continuing to this very day. We are grieving that we are still in this place and that things have not changed to the extent they need to. The death of George Floyd at the hands of police in the US may have been the tragedy that sparked worldwide outrage and made the news, but we acknowledge that this justified anger and pain has been felt by so many, for a long time. For many people of colour - this is not "news", it's just the tip of the iceberg. To all in our church and the wider community who have felt the cruel sting of oppression - we see you, we are sorry, and we love you dearly. 

This isn't just about overt racism - though we sadly see that so often. It's the unspoken privilege that many do not enjoy because of race. The need to justify yourself. The opportunity lost because of your skin colour, or your name, or your passport. The doors that are closed. The glass ceilings. The lack of choice, influence, or power. 

IT’S TIME TO CHANGE

As a church, we need to take a moment to make sure we say clearly our position. There is no place for any racism in any form in the body of Christ, whether obvious or hidden. We are one body and one people in Christ.

We are told in Revelation 7:9 “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands”. This is a sign of Gods kingdom people at the end of time. This image sets a clear dream for the future but also a prophetic standard for today. We get to see this vibrant church in our reality and we get to be a part of making this happen.

Jesus hated oppression. He defended those whom society had chosen to shun, through no fault of their own. He preferred the marginalised and he stepped in to honour them, prefer them, and lift them up. He calls us to do the same. As St Paul writes "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it." 1 Corinthians 12:26

There is an imbalance of privilege in our world. This calls for action, not apathy. It is our job to make sure we live like this now and not just dream of it for the eternal future. All Hallows will not accept or entertain racism in the leadership team or the family. We want to play our part in being the diverse people of God, both by growing leaders of all ethnicities, social backgrounds and ages; and by making sure that as a church family, we are a safe and welcoming space for people of all nationalities and backgrounds called to leadership or not.

We make a promise to call out any attitudes and behaviours that do not promote the fullness of God in humanity.

Not only that. We want to take time to humbly respond and recognise that there are times we have got it wrong. We are sorry when this has been. Where this is the case we ask for forgiveness and have to do better. We also recognise that there are times when we all need each other’s help. Help to see things that need to be seen, and change what needs to change. It's not enough to be 'non-racist', we need to be anti-racist. 

It is also important to make clear that we are ashamed by the deep institutional racism within our own denomination. We make a promise to continue to challenge and promote issues of racism and inequality within the wider Church of England. We were so encouraged in February of this year that the General Synod made a statement of apology for racism experienced by Black and Minority Ethnic people in the Church of England since the arrival of the Windrush generation. This was a good start, but more needs to be done and action taken to change systems that do not work for all. I am encouraged that the Church of England are working hard on this and will promise to continue to speak into it.

To love our church and our community like Jesus does, we have to be committed to this. We want to take time to stop, listen, and learn. It's not enough to shout for a day or a week and then go quiet. As a church we make a promise to all our family to lament and confess our sin, and then to show our determination to break the chains of oppression wherever we find them, including in our own hearts; to champion and increase Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) participation in all areas of our church life; and protest against all racism in our society.

It is time to humble ourselves to listen and learn.

It is time to learn and grow through teaching, small groups, book clubs, prayer nights, or otherwise, practically engaging with this as we walk together as a church family.

It is time to engage with and seek to learn from those in our community who have experienced systemic racism, whether overt or covert.

It is time to amplify Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic voices, and champion them in our midst.

It is time to journey as a church family together, learning the ways of Jesus in loving all people and seeking to break chains of oppression.

In the redemptive words of John Newton

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound


That saved a wretch like me


I once was lost, but now am found


Was blind but now I see

Please do speak with us, keep us to account and work with us in being the full Kingdom of God in Bow.

Grace and peace

Cris, Beki and Church Wardens.