Six days until the Racial Reconciliation service

In six days’ time, Birmingham’s Christian community will hold an historical event to stand together in unity across its different denominations, generations, communities and ethnicities. The joint service will address the awful stain of racism on our Church and city in an unprecedented act of togetherness. The event will be held at St Andrew’s, the home of Birmingham City Football Club.

Since the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, a cross-section of the city’s Christian leaders has gathered regularly and developed a Charter for change for our city. The Charter acknowledges racial injustice and calls on Christians to stand against racism to build a welcoming and united city. Many voices were heard in shaping the charter and agreeing how it shapes the future. Many more have signed up to support the charter. The charter can be found HERE.

At 4.00pm on Sunday 17 October, during Black History Month, a united service will be held at St Andrew’s Stadium to acknowledge the failures and sins of the past and present, and to commit to building a united welcoming church to  serve Birmingham. The doors will open at 3.00pm and the service will start at 4.00pm prompt. Civic leaders in attendance include the Lord Lieutenant, the Mayor of the Birmingham and a number of the city’s Councillors. Senior leaders from the city’s historic Churches, Black-led Churches and new Churches will also participate in the service.

Using videos, live worship, spoken testimony and prayer, the service will lead from acknowledgement of past failure to repentance and forgiveness, ending with a vision for future cooperation and unity among God’s people in the city. Well-known church leader Tim Hughes, along with the worship team from Aston’s New Jerusalem Church will lead worship at the gathering. The Saltmine Theatre Company will perform a short play relevant to the theme of the event.

Since the event will take place outdoors, the chances of catching Covid-19 are significantly reduced. The stand in which people will be seated is covered, offering protection from bad weather.

Free tickets can be booked via THIS LINK. Please spread the word and join the movement to eradicate racism from the Church and to reconcile and restore for a better future.