Jennie Johnson, new West Midlands Racial Justice Initiative Director, shares about the importance of creating church spaces that are welcoming to all, and explains the role we all have to play in advancing racial justice.
Reflecting on her first few months as new Director of the Church of England’s West Midlands Racial Justice Initiative (WMRJI), Jennie Johnson shares her desire to see God’s justice in the world, and the role we all have to play across our churches.
WMRJI is a collaboration between six dioceses across the West Midlands - Birmingham, Coventry, Gloucester, Hereford, Lichfield and Worcester.
The Initiative is committed to advancing racial justice and equality across the region, serving as a catalyst for change, and fostering inclusive and equitable environments that embrace people of all backgrounds.
Jennie joined the Initiative earlier this year, and reflects that in her short time in the role, “It has been great to see the real commitment to this work across all six dioceses.”
She explained, “Although progress can sometimes feel slow, we are creating something that is sustainable. The WMRJI is here to support and encourage the great work that is already happening in our schools and parishes.”
Celebrating diversity in the church
Jennie trained as a solicitor after university, working in the legal sector for around 12 years. She reflected: “I’ve always wanted the world to be better than it is, and I was keen to support people in difficult times.”
After a period as Operations Manager for Christian charity Kairos Connexion, Jennie moved to the Diocese of Liverpool as Racial Justice Officer.
“I genuinely think that church could be the people who create transformation in the world. I don’t think it’s by accident that God made us all different, and when we gather together with all our differences, that’s when we see the true reflection of God. We need to celebrate the diversity of our cultures,” Jennie said.
Supporting change in churches and schools
The WMRJI is leading several key projects across all dioceses, including Church of England Birmingham.
These include integrating racial justice into curate training programmes, support to increase the diversity of senior appointments, and work to teach about racism in church schools, encouraging children to be active in calling it out when they see it.
“Where we work together, we are so much stronger,” said Jennie. “The work in education is particularly exciting as it’s an opportunity to see change in the next generation, creating an environment where everyone is treated with kindness and respect.”
WMRJI has also supported parish projects, including churches hosting cultural awareness days and offering translation services.
Jennie explained, “There are lots of really good things happening in our churches, and it’s great to see safe spaces being created where we can listen to each other well.”
A focus on welcoming, belonging and participation in churches
Jennie explained the importance of churches working hard to help people feel welcomed, belong, and have the opportunity to contribute.
“We don’t know everyone’s background. Often churches will have more diversity in the room than they might realise and there will certainly be many different types of people in the local community,” she said.
“Racial justice is often the work of discipleship. We are called to love our neighbour as ourselves – that’s not just about strangers we walk past, but about the neighbours in all areas of our lives.”
“Many UK Minority Ethnic (UKME) people will tell of uncomfortable experiences in churches, but it’s not just down to the people who have experienced racism to create change. We really need each other, and no one is excluded.”
For churches that feel unsure where to start in this area, Jennie has words of encouragement.
“If we are all committed to offering spaces of welcome, belonging and participation, then all our churches will become more racially just.
“We might feel like we can’t change anything, but each small act of justice adds up, creating an avalanche of change.”
Find out more
Sign up to the West Midlands Racial Justice Initiative newsletter
Find out about microgrants funding available to support projects in parishes