A resource that links October’s lectionary readings with Black History Month has been developed by the United Reformed Church’s Global and Intercultural Ministries department. 

Black History Month provides people with the opportunity to highlight and celebrate the achievements and contributions of people of colour, and in the process explore the latent histories and narratives that shape our lives together.

Each week’s lectionary reading also links with a social justice focus as identified by the Joint Public Issues Team’s (JPIT) public issues calendar.

The Revd Dr Michael Jagessar, URC Secretary for Global and Intercultural Ministries says: “The idol of whiteness and white privilege is a primary contributing factor as to why black history remains hidden and often erased from our consciousness. This idol was conceived, birthed, and nurtured by human minds and hands in the northern hemisphere. It governs cultural, economic, and political norms and it devours victims through physical, psychological, and spiritual violence. It leaves a gaping hole in our collective consciousness."

He added: “To all the marginalised groups which have fought for and continue to advocate for the dignity of all human beings, Black History Month says: ‘your stories, sacrifices, and contributions will not be forgotten." 

“We are all created in the image of God and God’s offer of full life is for all: black lives matter. All lives matter. Black history matters. The stories of all minorities matter. We must mind the intersecting factors that create an unjust and unequal world.”

The resource can be found in full here.

Picture: People enjoying the Nottinghill Carnival, traditionally a celebration of Black British culture Glodi Miessi on Unsplash

_{Published 27 September 2019}