Black History Month is an opportunity for us to celebrate the resilience of Black communities’ and individuals in the UK who have worked to create equity in education, health, sports, the arts and religious life. It is also an opportunity for us to remember the role each of us can play in creating racially just communities wherever we live, learn, work or play. This years’ theme ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride’ reminds us that behind each of the individuals celebrated, there is a community encouraging, supporting and offering their best contribution to create a world where all people are treated with dignity and respect.
The run up to Black History Month has been a challenging time or many in our communities. The large-scale rally last month in London, the emergence of the St George’s flag on lampposts and bridges and the reports of violent attacks on Black and Brown people, assumed to be migrants, has left many concerned about the reality of welcome and safety our country. I was encouraged to see leaders from across many Christian traditions lead a response to the misuse of Christian symbols during the ‘Unite the Kingdom’ rally. Read the full text here
The statement by church leaders reminds us that even when we do not agree on everything, we can work together for peace. Jeremiah 29: 7 invites us to … “seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Perhaps in this time of concern, we can dedicate ourselves to pray for peace and reconciliation in our communities. Trusting that where there are division and hostility, God’s spirit can bring peace and restored relationships.
As churches, worshipping communities and schools that have made a commitment to racial justice, we can be encouraged by the work we have started to dismantle racist structures and to create new ways to demonstrate our belief that all people are made in God’s image and inherently worthy of dignity and respect. In response, we are taking this opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Black individuals and communities to our shared life of faith.
On Sunday 12th October 2025 at 3pm you are invited to join us, with friends and family across the Diocese for a special Black History Month service at Liverpool Cathedral, we hope you can join us for this inspiring service.
In prayerful reflection this Black History Month, we ask our loving God, in the words of Dr Martin Luther King Jr to Shake Us From our Slumber
When our eyes do not see the gravity of racial justice,
Shake us from our slumber and open our eyes, O Lord.
When out of fear we are frozen into inaction,
Give us a spirit of bravery, O Lord.
When we try our best but say the wrong things,
Give us a spirit of humility, O Lord.
When the chaos of this moment dies down,
Give us a lasting spirit of solidarity, O Lord.
When it becomes easier to point fingers outwards,
Help us to examine our own hearts, O Lord.
God of truth, in your wisdom, enlighten us.
God of hope in your kindness, heal us.
Creator of All People, in your generosity, guide us.
Racism breaks your heart, break our hearts for what breaks yours, O Lord.
Amen
Black History Month Resources for Churches:
Chuches Together in Britian and Ireland – Black History Month 2025
Church of England Liturgical resources for Black History Month
Jennie Taylor
Racial Justice Officer
Diocese of Liverpool
