Throughout October, as part of Black History Month (BHM), the Diocese of Rochester is sharing the stories of four Black people who are contributing to the life of our Diocese today.
Bishop Jonathan Gibbs and Bishop Simon Burton-Jones say,
'The point of Black History Month and other moments of celebration like Racial Justice Sunday (February 14, 2027) is not to confine issues of race and racial justice to specific points of the year but to act as a spur and inspiration to the fair and proper integration of all ethnicities.
'This ethos also lies at the heart of our shared work in the diocese round racial justice.'
They add:
'This year’s BHM theme focusses on the quiet, individual contributions made to local communities by Black people across our social and economic life, without which those communities would lack richness and be depleted.
'These stories rarely make news but are part of the fabric that binds us together. Day to day contributions are felt in our churches, too, made by licensed church ministers, paid employees and a large number of volunteers who both enrich their churches and neighbourhoods.'
In the first of these Rochester Voices, Hopeton, an Anna Chaplain and Lay Minister based at Holy Trinity and St John's Church Penge, reflects on his own ministry.
What does belonging within the Church mean to you personally?
A sense of belonging and a connection to God and my faith.
What would you like people to better understand about the experiences and contributions of Black people within the Church?
That Black people are part of the fabric of society and are gaining knowledge over time, learning all aspects of the Church to increase theirs and the faith of the people around them.
What gives you hope when you think about the future of the Church and our Diocese?
That there are more and more people of Global Majority Heritage coming forward to take of positions of leadership.
What are you most proud of in your ministry, work or involvement within the Diocese/community?
I am most proud of the people I have helped through prayers and helping to restore their faith in a time of need
What advice or encouragement would you give to the next generation of Black leaders within the Church?
You are here and you got this. Only compare yourself to yourself, not to others or people from the past.
More voices will be added throughout the month.
Interested in exploring God's plan for you? Visit: www.rochester.anglican.org/everyday-faith/gods-plan-for-you/
For more ideas on how to mark Black History Month this month and beyond, view the Diocesan Black History Month Toolkit