This year marks 250 years since St James in the City first opened its doors in Liverpool. To mark this significant milestone, the church is inviting the wider community to join in a weekend of events, including a powerful and thought-provoking gathering that explores its history, honours its heritage, and looks ahead to the future.
As part of the commemorations, St James in the City has been participating in the Diocese of Liverpool’s Slavery Truth Project – a creative and reflective initiative that supports churches in uncovering and responding to their historical connections to the Transatlantic Trade in Enslaved Africans.
With the support of the Diocese’s Racial Justice Team and local artist Ali Harwood, a dedicated focus group from the church has been engaging deeply with artefacts in the building and researching stories from the surrounding area. Through this process, they’ve created a series of artistic responses expressions of lament, learning, and hope—that aim to reflect both the weight of the past and a commitment to justice today.
Now, the church is opening its doors once more, this time inviting others to share in what they’ve discovered.
A spokesperson from Saint James in the City had to say “We have found that the truth is far more murky than we often would like to admit, people can do wonderful things and horrific things at the same time. We hope to grow in humility and faithfulness to Christ as we reflect on our past, and seek God for the impact of this to be long lasting.”
The event is part of a wider weekend of celebration marking the church’s 250th year, and will include an exhibition, creative performances, and space for listening, learning, and discussion. All are welcome—especially those from local churches and faith communities.
Friday 6th June, 5–7pm
St James in the City, Upper Parliament Street, Liverpool
Reflections and creative performances at 6pm
All welcome – especially those from local churches and faith groups
“2025 is a special year for St James in the City as we are celebrating our building’s 250th birthday,” the church shared. “This exhibition and gathering is part of a wider weekend programme to mark this occasion and is an opportunity for listening, learning and sharing. We’d love you to join us.”
The next church preparing to take part in the Slavery Truth Project is St Bride’s, which will begin its journey later this June.
Want to get involved?
If your church is interested in taking part in the Slavery Truth Project, you can contact the Diocese of Liverpool’s Racial Justice Team:
Racial.justice@liverpool.anglican.org
community, contact the racial justice team:
Racial.justice@liverpool.anglican.org
