The Church of England has taken a significant step towards promoting racial justice by appointing two lead bishops, Arun Arora and Rosemarie Mallett, to champion this cause. This move comes after the General Synod, the governing body of the Church of England, voted to support the recommendations of the Anti-Racism Taskforce’s landmark report, “From Lament to Action.” The appointment of Bishop Arun and Bishop Rosemarie as joint lead bishops for racial justice marks a new era in the Church’s commitment to tackling racism and promoting equality. As advocates for racial justice, they will work tirelessly to ensure that the Church of England becomes a more inclusive and equitable institution, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
The role of the lead bishops will be multifaceted, involving the promotion of racial justice throughout the Church, as well as overseeing the implementation of the recommendations outlined in the “From Lament to Action” report. They will also serve as joint deputy chairs of the newly created Racial Justice Board, a committee of the Archbishops’ Council that will drive the Church’s work on racial justice. Furthermore, they will attend the Racial Justice Panel, an external independent scrutiny body that will provide assurance that the Church’s work on racial justice is being carried out effectively. The appointment of Bishop Arun and Bishop Rosemarie is a testament to the Church’s commitment to addressing the issue of racism and promoting a more just and equitable society. As the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, noted, “This is a time to reflect on the progress made, to acknowledge the work still to be done and the challenges ahead, and to renew our commitment to eliminate racism.”
The timing of the appointment is significant, as it coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the 60th anniversary of the UN’s International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD). This serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle to eliminate racism and promote equality, and the need for continued effort and commitment to achieve this goal. The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, emphasized the importance of seeking justice and equity for all, stating, “We are all made in the image of God. It is not just our duty to respond to every person with care and compassion, which it is, but our faith demands that we seek justice and equity for all.” The appointment of Bishop Arun and Bishop Rosemarie is a key step towards achieving this goal, and their leadership will be instrumental in driving the Church’s work on racial justice forward.
Bishop Rosemarie and Bishop Arun bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their new roles. Bishop Rosemarie has a strong track record of promoting racial justice and has been a vocal advocate for equality and inclusivity. She has stated that “Racial justice is at the heart of the gospel, as we seek to serve God, as people of all places and races – all unified by being created in God’s image and saved by the love of His Son Jesus Christ.” Bishop Arun has also been inspired by the dedication of followers of Jesus in their work for racial justice, including figures such as Martin Luther King and Desmond Tutu. He looks forward to continuing the journey that the Church of England has begun and following Christ’s mission to celebrate a God of justice. The collaboration between Bishop Rosemarie and Bishop Arun will be essential in driving the Church’s work on racial justice forward and promoting a more inclusive and equitable institution.
The appointment of Bishop Arun and Bishop Rosemarie has been welcomed by church leaders and members alike. The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, has warmly welcomed and celebrated their appointment, stating, “Their leadership comes at a significant moment, as we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the 60th anniversary of the UN’s International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).” The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, has also expressed her support, stating, “Bishop Rosemarie and Bishop Arun have set an excellent example in their pastoral roles as bishops and in their work at a national level. I am delighted that they have been appointed to this role and offer my full support.” The appointment of Bishop Arun and Bishop Rosemarie is a significant step towards promoting racial justice and equality within the Church of England, and their leadership will be instrumental in driving this work forward.
In conclusion, the appointment of Bishop Arun and Bishop Rosemarie as joint lead bishops for racial justice is a significant milestone in the Church of England’s journey towards promoting equality and inclusivity. Their leadership will be essential in driving the Church’s work on racial justice forward, and their collaboration will be instrumental in promoting a more just and equitable society. As the Church of England continues to work towards eliminating racism and promoting equality, the appointment of Bishop Arun and Bishop Rosemarie serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the importance of seeking justice and equity for all. The Church’s commitment to racial justice is a testament to its commitment to promoting a more inclusive and equitable institution, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As Bishop Arun noted, “As co-lead bishop I look forward to continuing the journey that the Church of England has begun and following Christ’s mission to celebrate a God of justice.” The journey towards racial justice is ongoing, but with the leadership of Bishop Arun and Bishop Rosemarie, the Church of England is taking a significant step towards achieving this goal.
