Flying the Black History Month flag at St Anselm's

Black History Month was officially launched in our Eucharist service this morning. Posters featuring Black British heroes have been placed throughout the church and the stories of Black pioneers in the Church of England will be read to the congregation at the end of each service. Today, we featured Dauma Wilson, our late Church Warden.  Read her story here:  /Articles/725412/Black_History_Month.aspx

During the notices, Revd Emma said, "I hope you liked our new flag for he month flying outside. Black history is our history, the history of humanity. For too long our lens on history has left out large swathes of humanity. Speaking as someone with an archeology background, as well as someone who watches far too much TV, so much  history has been distorted, and if we don't understand our past, how are we to understand how we got to where we are, and therefore, who we are: God's blessed children - in all our diversity and richness. Which is why we celebrate - and is the purpose for flying the BHM flag outside."

She continued, "In this church we fly the union flag with pride, but it has been abused in recent months to promote fear. I for one, am glad to not be alone in wanting to claim our flag  back, as a flag that represents inclusion and coming together and pride in that which is good about our country.  We will be flying the union flag again, but for someone who doesn't come here and lives nearby - how are they to decipher what we mean by it. So, before we switch flags for Remembrance, I'd  like this parish to know we are their church, whatever their race, religion or creed. They are welcome here."