At Cranmer Hall we welcome the report From Lament to Action as a decisive moment in the Church’s fight against racism. We welcome the clear identification of racism as a sin which mars our common humanity and unity in Christ, and recognise the urgency of moving from well-meaning words to clearly-defined actions.
We were glad to make a detailed submission to the Anti-Racism Taskforce, and therefore welcome the specific recommendations concerning TEIs and ministerial formation. We recognise from our experience how some of these actions can help transform the formational life of a community (e.g. in celebrating Black History Month), but we also note from the recommendations that there is more work to be done.
Philip Plyming, Warden of Cranmer Hall, said ‘Our experience at Cranmer Hall in the last few years has been that the journey of tackling racism is not one that can be taken lightly: it has to be intentional, it requires commitment from every member of the community, and it is absolutely vital for the flourishing of all made in God’s image. This report identifies some steps we have already taken as a TEI on this journey, and also provides a robust challenge for further actions that are needed. I look forward to working through this report with colleagues at both management and governance level, and with our student leaders, to identify actions that will lead to long-lasting change.’
Steve Muneza, Director of Formation and Mixed-Mode Training, added, ‘As the leader for the new module on Global Theologies, I have seen the difference such a course can have in enabling students to explore the rich diversity of God’s people and God’s work beyond familiar Western-centred contexts. I also know the huge value of international and cross-cultural placements in ministerial formation. I am sure that the report will help us identify additional steps to enable our students as future church leaders to both celebrate diversity and tackle racism in the contexts where they will serve.’
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