Parishes and chaplaincies across the Diocese of Guildford are being encouraged to renew their commitment to racial justice following the launch of a refreshed Racial Justice Covenant on Thursday 14 May.
Building on the Covenant first adopted in 2023, the updated version reflects learning from across the diocese and offers a more practical framework to support everyday ministry. It sets out a shared commitment to celebrating diversity, confronting racism and ensuring that church leadership and congregations more fully reflect the communities they serve.
The Covenant was introduced to clergy gathered at this week’s diocesan conference in Derbyshire, with every PCC and chaplaincy now invited to adopt it formally and renew that commitment every two years, displaying it in church buildings and online.
Rooted in scripture, the Covenant draws on the vision of Revelation 7:9 of people from “every nation, tribe, people and language” worshipping together. Alongside its theological foundation, it outlines practical steps including prayer and reflection, reviewing church culture, and nurturing leaders from UK Minority Ethnic and Global Majority Heritage (UKME/GMH) backgrounds.
Rt Revd Paul Davies, Bishop of Dorking and Acting Bishop of Guildford, said:
“Since the launch of the last Covenant, I have been so encouraged by a growing understanding that racial justice is essential to creating communities where Christ’s love is shown to all.
"This refreshed Covenant is a renewed commitment to grow in diversity, welcome and unity across our Diocese.”
Revd Dr Moni Babatunde, Chair of the diocesan Racial Diversity Advisory Group, added:
“When our churches reflect the rich diversity of our communities, we more fully reveal God’s Kingdom and Christ’s reconciling love for all.
"This Covenant is not simply a document, but an invitation to prayerful reflection, honest conversation and action—helping our churches become places where all are welcomed, valued and belong.”
Developed under the leadership of Diocesan Racial Diversity Enabler Umair Asif, the refreshed Covenant follows months of engagement and feedback from across the diocese.
👉 Access the Covenant as well as a poster and slide to help parishes and chaplaincies highlight the committment in their communities.
