Nov 16, 2024 Story by: Editor
The Church of England is grappling with entrenched structural and institutional racism that hinders the advancement of people of color, a critical report reveals.
The findings stem from a six-month study conducted by the Church of England’s Racial Justice Commission. This comprehensive investigation analyzed data on hiring and promotions and included interviews with minority ethnic clergy about their experiences.
Titled Behind the Stained Glass, the report concluded that while the study did not aim to directly prove or disprove institutional and structural racism, the evidence exposed their detrimental impact within the church.
Paul Boateng, Britain’s first Black cabinet minister and chair of the commission, described the findings as “stark and shaming,” criticizing the church’s failure to address racial disparities effectively. “Rather than pay lip service to Black History Month, those exercising power and influence within the Church of England might make history by ending repeated failures to remedy the glaringly obvious defects in their practices which have held up over so many years the advancement of black people and other peoples of color within their own ranks,” Boateng stated.
The report, prepared by the Institute for Educational & Social Equity, highlighted the lack of detailed demographic data on clergy at both national and diocesan levels, calling this a significant barrier to progress. Boateng emphasized: “What more does this institution need before it comes into line with what is now accepted practice in HR and data collection in both the private and the public sectors?”
Analysis of limited available data revealed disparities in clergy recruitment. While Black candidates comprised 15% of applications between January and April 2024, they accounted for 29% of rejections or withdrawals. Conversely, white candidates made up 75% of applications but only 63% of rejections or withdrawals.
The report noted that applicants of color often lacked the “cultural capital” necessary for career progression in the Church of England. It cited “class and cultural dynamics” as specific obstacles, with a preference for “English culture,” including speech, mannerisms, and UK qualifications, over diverse experiences and alternative pathways into ministry.
Instances of unconscious bias were also reported, alongside overt racism. Minority ethnic clergy recounted discriminatory comments and actions from congregations, dioceses, and national church structures.
Theologian and broadcaster Robert Beckford praised the commission’s efforts, noting, “If the truth be told, similar patterns of discrimination exist within all of the major white-majority Christian churches in Britain. Some of the report’s recommendations are helpful.” However, Beckford urged a bolder approach, particularly in diversifying training curriculums and appointments, adding, “The need for this change is compelling, as to date, only three people of African and African Caribbean heritage teach theology in the British university system.”
A spokesperson for Lambeth Palace and Bishopthorpe Palace welcomed the report, acknowledging its sobering insights. “The archbishops of Canterbury and York are committed to promoting racial justice within the church, so it is sobering to read that there are still structural and racist barriers to UKME/GMH [UK minority ethnic/global majority heritage] clergy progressing to leadership roles. The archbishops reaffirm the work of the racial justice unit, and hope and pray the Church of England will become a place where everyone can thrive and flourish,” they stated. Source: The Guardian
