16 February 2024
The Revd Sharon Quilter has served as the Racial Justice Officer for the Diocese of Chelmsford since September 2022. The appointment of a Racial Justice Officer was a key recommendation of the Chelmsford Diocese Racial Justice Task and Finish Group Report - ‘From Action to Real Change’ that was agreed by Diocesan Synod in November 2021.
Sharon explains more about her role:
“The remit of the role of Racial Justice Officer is quite broad. But the three main strands encompass raising awareness to bring about a cultural change; managing and reporting concerns about racism; and putting in place procedures for combating racism within the diocese. And that means overseeing the implementation of the recommendations in ‘From Action to Real Change’.
This is not something I can do on my own. It is a ‘we thing’ not a ‘me thing’ and requires working with others within the organisation to create an environment that is positive towards racial and ethnic diversity. To that end I am working on a network of Racial Justice Advocates and a Racial Justice Advisory Panel to help ensure, as a diocese, we all work together on this as well as support each other in this endeavour. But it also means promoting and celebrating the rich cultural diversity already present in our diocese. And when I say our diocese, I mean all who live, work and minister within our borders of Essex and East London.
“As we travel this journey together, I enjoy visiting different parts of the diocese engaging with others and sharing the plans, hopes and aspirations we have to bring about change. “My role as Racial Justice Officer is to facilitate Christ-centred change. I can only do this working with our parishes and worshipping communities. Do get in touch if you’d like me to speak at your Deanery Synod meetings, share in worship or if you want to know more about Racial Justice in our Diocese.”
Sunday 11 February was Racial Justice Sunday and Sharon led a special service at St John the Evangelist Church in Moulsham Street, Chelmsford. During the service, children who had left Nigeria and came to the UK when they were just five and two shared what they missed about Nigeria as well as what they enjoyed about living in Essex.
