Racial Justice Adviser

The Organisation:

The Diocese of Winchester forms part of the Province of Canterbury of the Church of England. Founded in 676, it is one of the oldest and most influential dioceses in England.

The Diocese of Winchester is committed to growing churches which reflect the diverse nature of the kingdom of God, a vision described in the Bible as a great multitude that no-one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne (Revelation 7:9). Scripture also tells us that all human beings are created in the image of God, indicating a primary call to treat one another equally, regardless of ethnicity or race.

Our diocesan Racial Justice Group seeks to provide strategic oversight and act as a steering group that supports a diocese where racial justice is embedded at every level. The Church of England is determined to scrutinise its own structures and practices to eliminate racial injustice. By fully integrating racial justice into operational and decision-making processes we aim to hold people and structures to account and build leadership and representation that fully reflects the diversity found in the region and the Church to achieve equality of access, opportunity and outcome undergirded by Christian prayer for justice (Amos 5:24) and fairness (Acts 10:34-35). This role will be key in preparing for what the future brings.

Role and Responsibilities:

The Racial Justice Adviser will be responsible for overseeing, coordinating and working with others to implement the diocesan Racial Justice Strategy from a diocesan to parish level, seeking to identify and address racial disparities. They will work with all diocesan teams to consider existing policies, guidelines and processes and to ensure these are all overtly anti-racist.

This is an ideal role if you are a practicing Christian with a good knowledge of the Bible and an understanding of the theology of the place of racial justice in the church, and have experience of:

Equality and Diversity in terms of subject, law and best practice, in particular, knowledge and interest in Racial Justice and what that means in a Church context

The Archbishop s Anti-Racism Taskforce report, From Lament to Action, as well as the Archbishops Commission for Racial Justice report Behind the Stained-Glass

Working confidently with a wide range of stakeholders, to network and build informal relationships with a range of people

Analysing policies, procedures, guidance and operations, as well as, communications, in order to challenge and bring about change through articulating the why and how

This is an exciting opportunity for someone to make a real difference to the work and progress of the Diocese of Winchester, and more widely the National Church, in advancing in the area of racial justice for all.