Racial Justice Sunday 2025

Date Published: 20 Jan 2025
Two hands making the shape of a loveheart against the sky. Sun shines through the shape

This February will mark the 30th anniversary of Racial Justice Sunday.  Here, our director Patrick O’Dowd, tells us more about this important event…

 

“These I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” Isaiah 56:7 

“We cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of human life.” Pope Francis, General Audience, 3 June 2020

 

What is Racial Justice Sunday? 

Racial Justice Sunday is an annual event observed across Christian churches in the UK to promote awareness of racial inequality and celebrate the dignity of all people. 

2025 is the 30th anniversary of Racial Justice Sunday, an initiative originally by the Methodist Church following the tragic racist murder of Stephen Lawrence in 1993. The Lawrence family, members of a local Methodist Church, received support from the Church in their campaign for justice. Later, the Churches’ Commission for Racial Justice (CCRJ), a programme of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, expanded Racial Justice Sunday for wider Christian engagement and it is now widely seen as a collaborative ecumenical effort to promote racial justice.  

This year’s theme: “Coat of many colours” 

This year’s theme is rooted in the story from the Old Testament of Joseph and his coat of many colours.  The choice symbolises the unique identities and gifts we each have.   

Over the past twelve months, issues of community cohesion have been at the forefront of public discourse.  Even in the cities and towns of Salford Diocese, we find that anti-social behaviour is often linked to forms of racism or xenophobia.   

In light of this, as a Catholic charity, we are calling for deeper reflection on the issue from our communities and firm action which builds bridges, not walls.  By embracing the vibrancy of our diverse communities we can help heal divisions between people, bring reconciliation and help build up the common good for all.   

Why this matters 

Ending racism in our communities is essential to living out the Gospel message of love, justice, and dignity for all. As Catholics, we are called to recognise the inherent worth of every person, created in the image of God, and to confront the sin of racism that divides, marginalises, and harms. By eliminating racism, we will build stronger, united communities.  Addressing this issue is an act of faith, justice, and compassion, ensuring fairness, equality and healing for those affected while creating a legacy of inclusion and peace for future generations. This work is not just a social duty but a vital part of our mission as followers of Christ. 

 

Resources 

To help you and parish communities across the Diocese of Salford mark Racial Justice Sunday, we have prepared a variety of resources and links:  

  • Prayer of the Faithful for Racial Justice Sunday 

A collection of prayers celebrating diversity and unity while seeking healing and justice for fractured communities. 

A prayer from the Catholic Association for Racial Justice by Yashoda Sutcliffe: 

Father, you created each one of us in your own image. 

Yet yours is a world made glorious by its rich diversity.  

This we sometimes misunderstand, sometimes fear. 

Give us the patience to build on what unites us, to celebrate our differences and to learn from them. 

Grant us the wisdom to recognise your Church beyond the walls of a building, reaching out across all communities, countries and cultures. 

 

Prayers of the Faithful for Racial Justice Sunday: 

Priest:
Let us bring our prayers before the Lord, who calls us to love one another and to work for justice, peace and unity among all peoples. 

Reader:
For the Church, that we may reflect the rich diversity of God’s creation and be a beacon of unity, embracing people of all races, cultures and backgrounds with love and respect.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

For leaders in the Church and society, that they may be inspired by the Holy Spirit to confront racism, promote inclusion, and ensure equal opportunities for all.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

For those who have suffered from the sin of racism, that they may find healing, justice and strength in God’s love, and that their voices may be heard and valued.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

For our communities, that we may be instruments of reconciliation and peace, building bridges where there is division and creating spaces where all feel welcome and valued.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

For each of us, that we may examine our own hearts, repent of prejudice or indifference, and commit ourselves to the work of racial justice as disciples of Christ.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

For those who have died in the fight for racial justice and for all victims of racial hatred, that they may rest in the peace of Christ, and that their legacy may inspire us to continue their work.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Priest:
Heavenly Father, you have made us all in your image and likeness and called us to live as one family. Hear our prayers as we strive to build a world that reflects your justice, mercy, and love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

 

Other prayers: 

Give us the courage to offer refuge to those in need, to challenge prejudice and seek justice for all. 

Help us see that you created us in your image. 

Neighbour or stranger, always our brother or sister. 

Amen. 

 

Prayer from the Catholic Bishop’s Conference for Racial Justice Sunday 2023 based on Pope Francis’s letter Fratelli Tutti: 

Come, Holy Spirit, show us your beauty,  

reflected in all the peoples of the earth, 

so that we may discover anew that all are important and all are necessary,  

different faces of the one humanity that God so loves. 

Amen. 

 

Prayer from the Catholic Bishop’s Conference for Racial Justice Sunday 2024. 

God of light and truth, 

you call all men and women to live lives of holiness and justice. 

Help us to see in one another a heart which is tender, a mind which is humble and a care for our brothers and sisters,  

so that together we may build up the Body of Christ as a sign of hope and mercy for all. 

We make our prayer through Jesus our Lord. 

Amen. 

 

Homily notes 

We encourage clergy to consider the homily provided for Racial Justice Sunday 2025 provided by Fr Phil Sumner included in this resource pack: Racial-Justice-Sunday-2025-English.pdf 

 

School and Children’s liturgy resources
https://www.cbcew.org.uk/racial-justice-sunday-school-resources/ 

 

Take action 

The following list is a summary of ideas that local parishes or communities can take to ensure that racial justice is incorporated into their social action: 

  • Include racial justice as a regular item on parish council / leadership team agendas 
  • Ensure that ministry roles reflect the diversity of the parish community 
  • Appoint a parish Caritas representative to support and encourage issues of social action including racial justice in your parish community   
  • Include a commitment to promoting racial justice through parish mission statements or bulletins 
  • Include prayers for racial justice and inclusion into Masses, especially on Racial Justice Sunday   
  • Invite clergy and leaders from diverse backgrounds to offer talks, reflections or other activities in your parish, offer study sessions on Catholic Social Teaching and racial justice  
  • Share educational resources such as books, videos, and articles about racial justice and diversity in church settings 
  • Encourage parishioners to learn about and celebrate the cultures and traditions of the diverse communities within the parish and local area  
  • Engage with and encourage collaboration with local organisations working on racial justice and inclusion 
  • Support events and campaigns aimed at fostering community cohesion and addressing systemic racism  
  • Offer the parish facilities as a safe space for intercultural dialogue and reconciliation 
  • Commit to an annual review of racial justice efforts, using feedback from parishioners to guide future actions. 

 

Join the conversation 

We’d love to hear how your parish or community is celebrating Racial Justice Sunday.

Share your prayers, activities, and reflections on social media using the hashtag  #CoatOfManyColours2025, and tag us @CaritasSalford 

 

Contact Us 

For more information or to request resources or information, please contact us: 

Email: info@caritassalford.org.uk
Phone: 0161 817 2250 

 

Additional information: 

Racial Justice Sunday 2025 – Churches Together in Britain and Ireland – materials 2025 

Racial-Justice-Sunday-2025-Resource

Racial Justice Sunday – CTBI Information

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales (CBCEW)
Visit their page on Racial Justice Sunday for liturgical resources, reflections, and information on campaigns supporting racial equality and justice.

The “Rooting Out Racism” resource is a resource from a parish in White City in the Diocese of Westminster and created about the realities of racism following the murder of George Floyd and the toppling of the Edward Colston statue, events that revealed the need to address systemic racism at every level. Through personal stories and practical suggestions, this resource aims to inspire reflection and action within a parish context promoting racial justice as an integral part of faith in action.   

CARJ (Catholic Association for Racial Justice) 

https://www.carj.org.uk/ 

CARJ works to support and empower Black and minority ethnic Catholics, giving them a voice within the Church and society while promoting justice and community cohesion. CARJ collaborates with dioceses, parishes, and local racial justice groups to raise awareness, encourage reflection and action, and organise the annual Racial Justice Sunday.  

Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN)
Explore resources and campaigns focusing on social justice, including racial justice, community cohesion, and advocacy.

CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development)
Learn about global initiatives addressing inequality, racism, and social justice, with resources for schools and parishes.

CAFOD prayers for racial justice: https://cafod.org.uk/pray/prayer-resources/prayers-for-racial-justice 

Faith and Justice Network
This UK-based network focuses on connecting Catholic individuals and groups working for social justice, with a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion.

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
Their page on racism and racial justice provides a wealth of resources, including statements, pastoral letters, and guides to action: https://www.usccb.org/committees/ad-hoc-committee-against-racism  

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