“From one ancestor he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth ....” — Acts 17:26 (NRSVA)

Dear friends,

Each October, as autumn settles in and the days begin to shorten, we mark Black History Month—a time set aside to celebrate, to remember, and to learn. It is an opportunity for us as a nation, and as a church, to reflect upon the invaluable contributions of Black men and women to our shared life: in art and culture, in science and politics, in community and family, and in the story of faith itself.

As Christians, we affirm that every person is created in the image of God. From the very beginning, Scripture tells us of God’s design for a diverse and beautiful humanity, united not by sameness but by love. Black History Month reminds us of this truth, encouraging us both to rejoice in the richness of our differences and to face honestly the injustices that have too often silenced or marginalised voices that should have been heard.

Within the Christian tradition we are blessed by the witness of figures such as Joel Edwards CBE, a Jamaican-born pastor who became the first Black Pentecostal to lead the Evangelical Alliance in the UK, and who worked tirelessly for racial justice, unity, and integrity in public life. Looking further back, we recall the remarkable Mary Seacole, who despite prejudice and many obstacles, gave selfless care to the wounded during the Crimean War—an example of compassion lived out in the face of hardship. We also honour Walter Tull, a professional footballer and one of the first Black officers in the British Army during the First World War, whose courage and service broke barriers in a society still marked by deep discrimination.

These stories, and countless others, remind us of resilience, hope, and the transforming power of the Gospel lived out through faith and service. We do well to pause and learn from their testimony, allowing it to shape our discipleship today.

This month, let us open our hearts to listening and learning. Let us give thanks for the many ways in which Black history enriches us all. And let us commit ourselves afresh to living as a community where Christ’s love is reflected in the dignity we show to every person, regardless of race or background.

“Justice is not an optional extra for Christians. It is at the heart of what it means to follow Christ.” — Joel Edwards CBE.

With every blessing,

Rev Rosemary Mutopo