What is Amazing GRACE?
Amazing GRACE is a learning community for clergy and recognised lay leaders in the Diocese of Derby.
This is a learning community committed to understanding:
- The problem of racism
- The experiences of those who experience racism
- The privilege of those who do not
- The ways racism undermines the mission and ministry of the Church
It is a learning community committed to taking intentional action - in whatever way is appropriate to each member’s circumstances - to promote race equality in our personal and ministerial contexts.
To sign up for Amazing GRACE, email marietta.forman@derby.anglican.org
Why is it needed?
The vision given in Revelation 7.9 is of multitude of every nation, tribe, people and language worshipping God together, yet this vision is far from fulfilled in the life of the Church today.
The sin of racism can prevent the full and equal flourishing of God's children and barriers exist for people of colour which are invisible to their white church family.
It is the responsibility of the whole people of God to tackle this injustice.
The learning community aims to be a supportive yet challenging space where participants can reflect on racism through engagement with Scripture, resources, guest speakers, and stories, then work together to identify ways that we can act for race equality in our different contexts.
How will the learning community work?
The participants will meet once every other a month from January (at our taster session) to November 2022.
We will decide as a group whether it is online or in person (or a combination) – as well as preferred dates and time of day.
The initial couple of sessions will be focused on our own racism awareness, learning and formation as ministers & followers of Christ.
For the second phase, the focus will shift to how we can develop good practice and learning in our own contexts.
Each member will be encouraged to take action - big or small - then evaluate its progress and share learning with the community.
Who can join?
We are inviting clergy and recognised lay leaders to participate.
There will be an option for smaller learning cohorts to help facilitate meaningful and safe learning environments for all where numbers permit.
We hope that these first cohorts will be able to multiply our shared learning in the future.
Who is co-ordinating this community?
The Amazing GRACE Learning Community has the support of Bishop Libby and Bishop Malcolm as they work to oversee further race equality across the life of the diocese.
It is coordinated by the Revd Jacqueline Stober, the BAME / UKME Champion for the Diocese of Derby, and the Revd Dwayne Engh, Ordained Ministries Development Officer for the Diocese of Derby.
The Amazing GRACE learning community planning team includes: The Revd Julius Anozie (curate currently on placement at All Saints, Kirk Hallam); The Revd Dwayne Engh (Ordained Ministries Development Officer); The Revd Becky Reeve (curate at St. Augustine’s, Walbrook Epiphany); The Revd Jacqueline Stober (Area Dean for Dove and Derwent, Priest in Charge of Kirk Langley, Mackworth, Mugginton with Kedleston). We also welcome the Revd Dr Rosalyn Murphy (Biblical Scholar, Vicar of St Thomas, Longford) from the Diocese of Coventry as a regular guest.
