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Racial Justice

Racial justice issues have been recognised as a key concern for our Union for many years, with a Racial Justice Group (RJG) being in existence in some shape or form from the 1990s, and notably initiating the passing of a BU Council resolution on racial justice issues in March 1996. A Racial Justice Adviser was appointed in 2002, and continues to be supported by the Racial Justice Group.

Particular initiatives have included the development of racial justice training provided for all involved in Baptist ministry and now delivered through Colleges and Associations.

In November 2007, our Union passed an historic resolution to mark the anniversary of the passing of the Slave Trade Act abolishing slavery. The resolution apologised for our part in the transatlantic slave trade. Click here to read the text of this Apology.

We are marking the 10th year since this resolution with a series of events, the Lest we Forget study resource and the Journeying to Justice book. Read more.

This has led to the development of an ongoing programme of work known as The Journey. Click here to read the text of The Journey recommendations.

The aim of The Journey is to ensure that our Union develops into a fully multicultural Union which will include providing access to resources and initiatives for:

The Sam Sharpe Project is an important contribution to the field of Black Baptist Studies and also supports The Journey.

Lest we Forget

Ten years on from The Apology, five study reflections for small groups have been prepared using differing cultural perspectives. These aim to equip Baptists to reflect on the 2007 Baptist Union Apology and explore ways to address the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade. The study guide is available to download free of charge from our Resources Library.

Journeying to Justice

Journeying to Justice is of such importance to the study of Black religion that to say its time has come would be an understatement.
Through a multi-faceted exploration of the Black Baptist relations between England and the Caribbean this work contributes to the study of Black religion as both Trans-Atlantic and diasporic phenomenon. Because this exploration is done by engaging one of the most vibrant traditions of Black Christianity, the Baptists, its findings give insight to Black religion as such. More importantly it contributes to understanding how this tradition shaped people who became religious agents for change in their world.

Orders can be placed here via the Authentic Media website. RRP is £24.99. Please view the PDF for further information