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Durham Church hosts Racial Justice Sunday BBC service

A Durham Church has been chosen to host a special service for the four nations in Britain and Ireland, to be broadcast on BBC Radio 4.

St Nics Church - located in Durham City Centre - will host the special Racial Justice Sunday service to be broadcast at 8.10am on Sunday 13 February.

Featuring contributors from Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the service will be led by the Vicar of St Nics, Revd Canon Arun Arora. It will also include contributions from Remi Omole, lead Chaplain at Sunderland Hospitals and Seun Twins, President of Durham University Students’ Union.

The service also features music from musicians at St Nics and the Durham University Gospel Choir. Readings and prayers are offered by Emily Simants and Lydia Francis-Holmes, young women from the congregations of St Nics. 

Richard Reddie, Director of Justice and Inclusion for Churches Together in Britain and Ireland - and one of the service's organisers - said: “Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) has had a long and distinguished history in the struggle for racial justice.

“It was a pleasure to work with St Nics and the BBC to deliver a service that speaks into the real need to address the inequality and injustice that still plagues church and society.

“Racial justice is everyone's business! It's not solely for congregations located in uber-diverse settings, but for anyone who shares God's heart for justice. It is my hope that our service enables congregations to start the journey to justice.”

Revd Canon Arun Arora said: “It was an honour for St Nics to be approached by CTBI to host this service. We are delighted to be playing our part in marking this special Sunday, as part of a national broadcast service involving participants from all four nations as well as those based in the North East. 

“One of the core messages of the Gospel is that Jesus speaks of a God of Justice, who is to be found alongside all those who experience injustice. It’s a message of hope for those who have experienced the degradation of racial injustice and a call to action for all who would fight against the pernicious evil of racism in our society.

“It was a joy to be able to partner with so many people in a common cause at the recording of the service, with moving stories, inspirational prayers and fabulous music. We were delighted to be able to represent the best of England from here in Durham.”

First published on: 8th February 2022
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