£1bn is a start. But if we really want to end racism, it’ll take the whole Church

News that the CofE hopes to create a £1bn fund to address the legacy of slavery has been met with mixed reactions. It’s another indication that there’s still a long way to go to eliminate racial discrimination, says Guy Hewitt

As someone with multiple heritages - African, Asian and a smattering of English - the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination which we celebrate on March 21, resonates deeply.

The distinction between racial prejudice (biases between groups) and racism (systematised by one group’s social influence, legal authority and economic and political power) is a lived experience.

Notwithstanding recent reassuring events, such as the Church of England’s £1bn target to address historical links to the slave trade, we remain some way from being united in Christ. There are still only 15 Global Majority Heritage/UK Minoritised Ethnic persons in 350 leadership posts in the CofE.

Racial justice is still not fully embedded in the Church’s mission.