Most people probably believe they know what racism is about, recalling atrocities such as the Holocaust in WWII, the Civil Rights movement in the US, or Apartheid in South Africa. Are things really so bad, particularly here in Scotland? And does racism exist within the Scottish Episcopal Church and others? In a recent seminar on the 4th of September, Revd Dr Anderson Jeremiah, formerly in the Diocese of Edinburgh and currently lecturer in Politics, Philosophy, and Religion at the University of Lancaster, outlined for participants just what racism is about – how do we define what it is really about, and how long has racism been a phenomenon amongst humankind? Many may assume it has been around forever, but the assumption of human or intellectual superiority based on certain biological characteristics such as skin colour, is a more recent phenomenon – often used as justification for atrocities committed during colonialism. But essentially, what does Christianity have to say about racism, what can we do about it, how can we understand racism in our context, and how can we help?
Some excellent resources were put together by Michael Patterson prior to the seminar, for this and any further queries, please contact the diocesan office.
The Revd Bonnie Evans-Hills
