Black History Month
“We love people less when we ignore how God made them.” — Ben Lindsay
Prayer for Black History Month
Compassionate God, who sent Jesus Christ to deliver us from all manner of injustices and inequalities, create in us new hearts and enlarged visions, to see the image of God in every person irrespective of background, race and ethnicity. May we be generous in our love of others as we work towards ending racism and injustice; creating communities of human flourishing, through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
Top Recommendations
God Is Not a White Man: And Other Revelations – Chine McDonald (God Is Not a White Man)
A personal and theological reflection on race, gender and faith, asking how our images of God are shaped by culture and power.
Being Interrupted: Reimagining the Church’s Mission from the Outside - Barrett, A. and Harley, R (Being Interrupted)
This book explores how the Church can identify and challenge systems that perpetuate injustice. Its hopeful vision and practical approach to change are both refreshing and inspiring, while its emphasis on listening to and learning from others reflects the example of Jesus.
Other Book Recommendations
Ghost Ship: Institutional Racism and the Church of England – A. D. A. France-Williams (Ghost Ship)
A challenging examination of institutional racism within the Church of England and the experiences of Black and Global Majority Christians within its structures.
The Girl from Montego Bay – Rose Hudson-Wilkin (Bishop Rose releases her memoir)
Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin tells the story of her journey from Jamaica to becoming Britain’s first Black woman bishop, reflecting on faith, calling, ministry and perseverance.
Decolonizing Mission – Harvey C. Kwiyani (Decolonizing Mission)
An exploration of how Christian mission can move beyond colonial assumptions and better reflect the global, multicultural nature of the Church.
Is God Colour-Blind? Insights from Black Theology for Christian Ministry – Anthony G. Reddie (Is God Colour-Blind?
An accessible introduction to Black theology which explores what racial justice means for Christian discipleship, ministry and church life in Britain.
Radical Justice: Building the World We Need – Nani Jansen Reventlow (Radical Justice)
A practical exploration of justice, equality and social change, encouraging individuals and communities to recognise their own capacity to help build a fairer society.
We Need to Talk About Race – Ben Lindsay (We Need to Talk About Race)
A practical and accessible exploration of the Black experience in predominantly white churches, with a particular focus on racial justice, solidarity and church leadership.
Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire – Akala (Natives)
Part memoir and part social commentary, reflecting on race, class, education and Britain’s imperial legacy through Akala’s own experiences growing up in Britain.
PODCAST
The Traitors and unconscious bias
Antisocial with Adam Fleming. [podcast] 23 January 2026. AntiSocial - The Traitors and unconscious bias - BBC Sounds