Churches across the diocese are being encouraged to mark the 30th anniversary of Stephen Lawrence Day - 22 April - on Sunday 23 April, St George's Day through the use of prayer resources as part of their services.
Stephen Lawrence (18) was murdered in an unprovoked racist attack on 22 April 1993. A public inquiry in 1998 led to the publication of the Macpherson Report, which has been called ‘one of the most important moments in the modern history of criminal justice in Britain’. It led to profound cultural changes in attitudes to racism, to the law and to police practice. It also paved the way for a greater understanding of discrimination of all forms and new equalities legislation.
Debbie Parkes (co-convenor of the diocese's Racial Justice and Inclusion Taskgroup) says:
"Celebrating the life of Stephen Lawrence on 22nd April, in the same weekend of St George's Day has a particular resonance for me. St George's has in the past had positive and also negative connotations. I hope and pray that in celebrating both these events we see the UK moving towards being a just and fair country for all."
The diocesan Racial Justice & Inclusion Task Group has made prayer resources available for churches to use on Sunday 23 April."Celebrating the life of Stephen Lawrence on 22nd April, in the same weekend of St George's Day has a particular resonance for me. St George's has in the past had positive and also negative connotations. I hope and pray that in celebrating both these events we see the UK moving towards being a just and fair country for all"
For more on the work of the Racial Justice and Inclusion Taskgroup on the diocese website.