The Diocese of London has established a priority to become ‘a more racially just Church’ in support of its 2030 Vision for every Londoner to encounter the love of God in Christ. Across the Diocese, we are committed to empowering everyone to take responsibility for this priority and embedding it through a programme of work that impacts all aspects of the organisation.
The Bishop of London has demonstrated these commitments on many occasions. On the appointment of the new Bishop of Edmonton, our lead bishop on Racial Justice, Bishop Sarah said: “London’s Diocesan 2030 Vision sets out our ambition for racial justice: how we plan to move forward to truly representing the body of Christ in all its richness – and grow healthily. To reach every Londoner we need to be active in combatting racism and racial injustice. The contributions made by the Racial Justice Priority Group have been invaluable, and I’m in no doubt that Anderson will help lead this transformative work as we continue to tackle the evil of racism here in London.”
Under the strategic direction of the lead bishop and with advice and guidance from the Racial Justice Steering Group (RJSG), the Head of Racial Justice Priority will help drive systemic change across the Diocese of London. Working collaboratively, you will lead on the development and delivery of the Diocesan Racial Justice Strategy, equipping and advising others, driving forward core aspects of the work and challenging the institution to address racial inequalities.
Key areas of work include:
- Fostering a racially just and inclusive culture within the Diocese of London, demonstrable in our leadership, governance, workforce and church communities.
- Proactively linking the racial justice programme with the diocesan ambitions of Confident Disciples, Compassionate Communities and Creative Growth, additional diocesan priorities of growing younger and safer, and other key workstreams.
- Ensuring that the work of the Racial Justice Steering Group is professionally facilitated, promoted and valued throughout the Diocese.
- Providing constructive input and creative solutions to diocesan policies and practices so that we break down institutional barriers to progress.
- Creating a programme of learning that allows for greater understanding of injustice of racism whilst developing innovative safe spaces to discuss the historical legacies that impact society today and enable change to take place.
- Developing and managing strategic partnerships with GMH organisations within and beyond the Anglican community with the aim of increasing equity and inclusion across the Diocese.
We are therefore looking for someone who is has vision and passion to see change, the expertise and insight to advise, support and, where necessary, challenge and the tenacity to deliver. You will be given the freedom and authority to challenge and connect across the organisation so that our racial justice work is embedded throughout; but you will also be responsible and accountable for delivering a programme of work.
Through this leadership role, and others that interact with it, we are looking to contest the status quo, dismantle racism whenever it exists in the Diocese, by focusing not just on outcomes but also on proactively creating trust and safe spaces for truly transformative practice across all church communities. We seek a candidate who can therefore demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the Christian faith and commitment to the Church of England’s role in the community.
Your approach will be collaborative, empowering and equipping so that others can build confidence and effectiveness in their ability to lead in making this a priority in their work and practice. Recognising the challenges of facilitating change in this area, you will be able to demonstrate resilience, patience and a willingness to engage with stakeholders across and at all levels of the Church to inspire the Diocese on a journey that will break new ground and create lasting impact.
