Community
Windrush Day Saturday – 22 June 2024
On 22 June 1948, Caribbean migrants arrived in the UK on the Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks in Essex, their first stop before travelling towards London.
Many people from British Commonwealth countries travelled to the UK between 1948 and 1971, encouraged by the 1948 British Nationality Act that granted citizenship and right of abode to all members of the British Empire.
On arrival in the UK however, people were often met with racism, lack of acknowledgement of their professional skills and very different living conditions.
Windrush Day is a chance to celebrate British Caribbean communities, and acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions the Windrush generation and their descendants have made to British society.
https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/national-maritime-museum/windrush-day
The Windrush arrival marked a turning point, when Caribbeans came here to help re-build Britain, to work in the transport system, factories and the newly created NHS. So for those who had to overcome so much adversity,
it has great significance” . Baroness Floella Benjamin
Forgive us, Lord,
for the trauma that the Windrush generation
and their descendants have experienced
Lord, have mercy
for the disappointment of the Windrush scandal
and for its continued aftermath.
Christ, have mercy
when we do not recognise the humanity in others
and treat people created in your image as statistics
Lord, have mercy
Rev Dr Israel Oluwole Olofinjana (adap)
https://www.eauk.org/what-we-do/prayer-centre/a-prayer-for-the-windrush-75th-anniversary
O God, maker of heaven and earth,
you uphold the cause of the oppressed:
liberate those who are unjustly treated
and those imprisoned by their prejudices,
that there may be peace and goodwill among your people.
“As a Church, we have still not really grappled with how we incorporate and include people of colour into the Church at all levels. So, our contribution — spoken or unspoken — is to remind the C of E of what it is supposed to be, and to continue to work intentionally to be a Church where all feel that they can and do belong. We are nowhere near there yet. We still have a long journey to that full and welcome incorporation.” The Rt Revd Dr Rosemarie Mallett, a Windrusher,
“It is my hope and prayer for the Windrush descendants and future generations within the Church of England that they will continue to value their rich inheritance and heritage as beloved children of God, and that they continue to demonstrate this, even when it is a struggle, and they are challenged because of who they are and what they believe.
It is my hope and prayer that the Windrush descendants will continue to teach their children the faith and, equally important, to live that faith out in words and deeds.” Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin
In a spirit of humility let us acknowledge, accept and confess those aspects of our history that have failed to mirror the example you set in loving others, especially those from other nations that have made this country their home.
In a spirit of humility, gratitude and justice let us affirm the rich contribution of individuals from other cultures to our nation. Let us acknowledge and give thanks for their contribution to commerce, public life, medicine, business, education, healthcare, and the many other areas in our society, for the contribution of faith, accompanied with practical expressions of love through uncountable social action initiatives that individuals from other nations have made to us here in the UK.
Give us grace to live together as your people and as part of the human family. Rev David Shosanya Adapted
May the God who created a world of diversity and vibrancy,
Go with us as we embrace life in all its fullness.
May the Son who teaches us to care for strangers and foreigners,
Go with us as we try to be good neighbours in our communities.
May the Spirit who breaks down our barriers and celebrates community,
Go with us as we find the courage to create a place of welcome for all. Clare McBeath and Tim Presswood
https://www.xavier.edu/jesuitresource/online-resources/prayer-index/prayers-for-diversity
