The Church of England has published a new reference document on racial justice. It includes theological reflections, profiles of senior clergy from UK minority ethnic backgrounds, and personal testimonies that highlight lived experiences within the Church.
Being Built Together Volume 1, from the Racial Justice Unit of the Church of England, aims to act as a resource for the Church of England on racial justice, including the theological foundations for racial justice work, detail of the Church’s journey towards racial justice and recommendations for key reforms.
The report publishes recommendations from the Archbishops’ Commission for Racial Justice, which concluded its three-year mandate in November last year, with a final report presented to the General Synod in February.
The document also includes reflections on the Church of England’s progress since the 2021 From Lament to Action report was published, calling for change in the Church of England after ‘decades of inaction’ on racial justice.
Being Built Together includes profiles of Church of England Bishops, along with Deans and Archdeacons, from minority ethnic heritage and personal testimonies from senior clergy of their experiences of racism.
Writing in the foreword to the report, the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, described progress towards racial justice in the Church of England as ‘painfully slow’.
“Much has been achieved in the last four years but we are still far from where we want to be, where we need to be, as a Church,” he said.
“I thank everyone who has been working, faithfully and courageously, for justice in our Church.
“Every person involved in this work is helping to fulfil our mission to be a Church where all can thrive, belong, and find hope. Let us not relent, but strive to build a Church that reveals the truth – that we all are one in Jesus Christ.”
The Rev Guy Hewitt, Director of the Church of England’s Racial Justice Unit, said:
“This publication seeks to outline the why, what, and how of the Church’s work on Racial Justice. Ending racism, ethnicism and all forms of discrimination liberates us all: victim, ally, and perpetrator alike. In this struggle for unity, we keep faith, knowing that what God requires of us is to ‘do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly’ with him.”
Church of England (2025). “New reference document on racial justice published.” https://www.churchofengland.org/media/press-releases/new-reference-document-racial-justice-published