Racial Justice Sunday 2023
All are invited to the Racial Justice Sunday Mass at St George’s Cathedral, which will take place at 10 am on Sunday 5th February 2023 and will be celebrated by Archbishop John Wilson
At the Inaugural RJS Mass in 2022, Archbishop John Wilson stated firmly that there was no place for Racism in the Catholic Church, and encouraged all to '…broaden our hearts to love and minds to understand and to recognise that in the cultures of others, in the languages and traditions of others, there is something enormously enriching for the whole of the world.’
This year the theme for Racial Justice Sunday is:
“All are included in the mission of Christ and His Church. Let us walk together, pray together and work together”
This reflects the role each of us must play in promoting the mission of Christ and His Church and was inspired by conversations around last year’s Racial Justice Sunday and Pope Francis’ visit to Canada in July 2022, when he spoke about looking towards a future of ‘Justice, healing and reconciliation’
Also in 2023, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland encourage us to remember Stephen Lawrence. The 30th anniversary of the racist killing of the black teenager in Eltham will fall on 22nd April 2023, In life he aspired to be an architect, but his legacy has seen him become an architect for justice, equality, dignity and unity.
Those attending Mass in person are encouraged to wear cultural dress and are asked to be seated by 9.45 am for a prompt start at 10 am in St George’s Cathedral. The Mass will also be live-streamed via the RC Southwark YouTube account: https://bit.ly/RJS2023
View the Racial Justice Sunday Mass Livestream
Racial Justice Sunday Prayer
This prayer is for individuals or parishes to use on Racial Justice Sunday.
God of our past, present and future,
you created each one of us in your image and likeness,
help us to recognise you in each person.
As we pray for end to suffering caused by racism
lead us this day to walk with one another,
pray with one another and work together,
so that we create a future based on justice and healing,
where all can fulfil the hope you have for all peoples.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
