Archbishop reiterates apology to Windrush generation for Church racism

The Empire Windrush carried hundreds of immigrants from the Caribbean to Britain. Wikipedia

The Archbishop of Canterbury has apologised again for the racism experienced by members of the Windrush generation in Church of England churches. 

Addressing the House of Lords this week, Justin Welby said that the Church of England had been "in many ways as bad as the hostile environment".

His comments follow an apology by the Church of England General Synod last month. 

In the Lords, he expressed his regret over "the terrible reception that we gave the Windrush generation, the vast majority of whom were Anglicans, when they came here", adding that he would continue to apologise for the treatment they experienced.

"They were often turned away from Church of England churches, or were given a very weak welcome or no welcome at all," he said.

"As a result, they went off and formed their own churches, which have flourished much better than ours. We would be so much stronger had we behaved correctly.

"I have apologised for that, and I continue to do so and see the wickedness of our actions." 

His comments were in response to the publication of the Windrush lessons learned review, which found that the Home Office was guilty of "institutional ignorance and thoughtlessness towards the issue of race and the history of the Windrush generation within the department".

In delivering the findings, Wendy Williams, an inspector of constabulary, said that while she was "unable to make a definitive finding of institutional racism", the Home Office's failings were "consistent with some elements of the definition of institutional racism". 

In response to the review, Home Secretary Priti Patel said she was "truly sorry" for the scandal, which had seen members of the Windrush generation deported, left without work or unable to access the NHS. 

The Archbishop called on the Home Office to consider working with black-majority church leaders as it seeks to make changes in light of the damning findings.

He said they had been "gracious, wise and strong" in the face of the scandal. 

"They have much to teach us," he said. 

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
What are the fruits of the Holy Spirit?
What are the fruits of the Holy Spirit?

24 May 2026 is Pentecost Sunday, when Christians recall the importance of the Holy Spirit. The fruits of the Spirit are the virtues that are produced in the life of a believer through the work of the Holy Spirit. This is the story …

Pentecost: Its meaning, significance and relevance for Christians today
Pentecost: Its meaning, significance and relevance for Christians today

Today is Pentecost - a special day in the Christian calendar that many Christians may have heard of, but do not always fully understand. Yet Pentecost is incredibly important, because it is deeply connected to the work of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the church.

Christian aid organisations mobilise emergency Ebola response in Democratic Republic of Congo
Christian aid organisations mobilise emergency Ebola response in Democratic Republic of Congo

Christian aid organisations are mobilising emergency health responses in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following a deadly Ebola outbreak in the country’s north-east that has prompted international concern.

Three Baptist pastors killed in Manipur ambush after peace conference
Three Baptist pastors killed in Manipur ambush after peace conference

The victims were senior leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association India (TBAI), a Baptist denomination rooted in the Thadou-Kuki community of Manipur.