Black History Month 2024

To: all in the Diocese of London

Dear friends,

The Diocese of London is observing Black History Month as part of our wider pursuit of racial justice. We have brought together various activities to tell and hear our stories, so that we can better reflect God’s unfolding story.

We all have a story to tell. Our stories form us. But some stories have not been told or heard. Sadly, some stories have been intentionally shunned and written out of our popular or religious imagination. Such forgotten, or untold, or unheard stories are often that of marginalised, powerless and disposed people.

Maya Angelou in her celebrated poem I know Why A Caged Bird Sings, writes “Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with shades of deeper meaning…The caged bird sings with a fearful trill, of things unknown, but longed for still and his tune is heard on the distant hill, for the caged bird sings of freedom.”

Mainstream history is predominantly told from a privileged, selective, and preferential place. Black History Month offers us an expansively welcoming remedy. It is an opportunity to delve into wider stories of struggle, resilience, perseverance and freedom. It is an occasion to pay attention to the still small voices that are too often lost in the loud cacophony of our society. Stories have the power to stretch our imagination and cultivate a sense of community; they build a sense of belonging to each other, and dreams of equality and justice.

This month I pray that we are challenged to participate and engage with the untold stories and storytellers in our midst.

The Bishop of Edmonton