Churches in Britain Launch Racial Justice Sunday in Memory of 9/11 Attack

11th September 2004 marks the third anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. While scars in the victims’ hearts still remain painful and the gloom of terrorism still follows the world, the churches in Britain have responded to the day with a more positive attitude.

On Sunday 12th September, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) will celebrate “Racial Justice Sunday”, calling churchgoers to appreciate ethnic diversity and to speak out against injustice and racial discrimination.

Particularly in the UK, the inflow of asylum and refugees has been considered a social problem in recent years; the population has become more and more diversified in terms of skin colour, ethnicity, culture and even religion. It was recently reported that black African, Asian or those with a Muslim names may face major discrimination in the job market. In addition, the chance of minority ethnic groups being stopped and inspected by the Police publicly is comparatively high compared to white members of the public. Another recent survey has also stated that approximately 90 per cent of white people in the UK have few or no friends from a minority ethnic group.

Trevor Phillips, Chairman of CTBI’s Commission for Racial Equality (CRE), points out that this is the reason why people can be misled about blacks, muslims, and ethnic minorities.

Myra Blyth, Moderator of CTBI’s Commission for Racial Equality (CRE), explained the purpose of this special Sunday, “In the current climate of growing fear and mistrust where to be ‘other’ is perceived as dangerous and threatening, there is an urgent need to embrace those in the community we do not normally connect with.”

She continued, “By sharing hospitality and creating safe places, churches can help black, white and Asian people, travellers and people seeking asylum to meet together and begin to build new trust and respect for each other.”

Reported by the Church of England Newspaper, many churches across Britain have been actively preparing for Racial Justice Sunday. Manchester diocese, St John’s Church, Al Khizra Mosque and the Jewish Museum are all opening their doors for “open day” events to increase understanding of different faiths. Manchester is recognised as one of the cities that has absorbed most refugees and immigrants.

The vicar of Cheetham, Manchester, the Rev Daniel Burton, said, “There can be no more important way of commemorating the anniversary of September 11th than a festival like this - to affirm that different religions can not only co-exist, but actually celebrate one another’s strengths.”

The Diocese of York will hold a special service this Sunday with contributions from different cultural groups, including drumming by the Trans-Global Drummers, dancing by the Asian Dhakama Dance Group and the choir of All Saints Roman Catholic School in York.

The Methodist Church of Great Britain and the United Reformed Church have also prepared their own Racial Justice Sunday Resource Pack to join this special day.