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The tragic death of George Floyd in May 2020 resulted in mass protests across most of the globe. It brought sharply into focus the issue of racial violence and intolerance, which were encapsulated by the cry "Black Lives Matter", heard during many of the protests for justice and equity.

As a result of George Floyd’s murder and the clamour for greater racial justice, churches of all traditions and denominations in Britain and Ireland called this a "Kairos" moment – a moment of decision and action. Many committed themselves to the task of becoming more equitable and justice-driven.

Doing Justice – A service of reflection on the first anniversary of the murder of George Floyd is an ecumenical event initiated by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, and featuring contributions from an array of senior Church leaders, key points of which will be broadcast on Radio 4's Sunday Worship. Here are their responses to the question, "Is there a balm to heal the hurt and pain of racial injustice?"

The Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover

The Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin

I have called my Church to bear witness through its love for one another

I have called my Church to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly before me
I have called my Church to model equity and equality – In Christ there are no chosen ones, and those who are cast aside; there are no "privileged" or "underprivileged"; there is no male or female. We are all one in him!

Lord Jesus, we are sorry that we have not been faithful witnesses
Merciful God, we are sorry that our example falls so far short of your commands
Holy Spirit, help your Church to set the right example for this generation, and the generations to come.

There is a balm to heal the hurt and pain of racial injustice!

His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London

Archbishop Angaelos

Crucified Christ, you were beaten, ridiculed, impaled, and suffered grave indignities,

Expose the wicked deeds and the plans of the perpetrators of injustice
Pour your oil of gladness upon the wounded and all those who suffer the scars of racism and prejudice

Be their helper, their source of strength and their voice of courage that they might not be silent or silenced
Sovereign Lord, let justice roll down like a river and righteousness like an overflowing stream

In speech, in action, in decision making, in times of disappointment and struggle, may your Church and leaders of every kind, pursue justice and justice alone.
There is a balm for you and me.

There is a balm to mend the wounds and scars of racially motivated violence!

The Rt Revd Paul Hendricks, The Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of Southwark

The Rt Revd Paul Hendricks

The Kingdom of God is not the utterance of politically correct words, insincere actions, and prejudice.

It is a Kingdom of power, of love, and of mercy

It is a Kingdom where every tribe, every ethnicity, every nation, every language is listened to, is heard, is valued, and understood

It is the Kingdom of communion – the sitting at the same table, the sharing of drink and the eating of food

It is a welcoming table of the beloved, the anti-racist, the reconcilers and those who seek Justice.
There is a balm for you and me

There is a balm to heal the sin sick souls of racists, violent perpetrators, hostile environments, and institutional racism!

Revd Inderjit Bhogal OBE, Methodist Church and Church of Sanctuary

Bishop Dr Eric Brown

The Spirit of the Lord says come …
Come you who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest.
Come you who are hungry, I am the bread of life
Come you who are lonely, and I will console and comfort you.
Come! Come! Come!

There is a balm to heal the weary, the vulnerable, the disenfranchised, the underserved, the left out and the left behind!

Bishop Dr Eric Brown, Senior Pastor of the NTCG Community Church Brixton

I am persuaded that:
There is a balm to heal the hurt and pain of racial injustice!
There is a balm to mend the wounds and scars of racially motivated violence!
There is a balm to heal the sin sick souls of racists, violent perpetrators, hostile environments, and institutional racism!
There is a balm to heal the weary, the vulnerable, the disenfranchised, the underserved, the left out and the left behind!
There is a balm for you and me