Racial Justice Sunday in the UK

Racial Justice Sunday is observed on the second Sunday in February. In 2026, it falls on February 8. This day serves as an ecumenical call for Christians across Britain and Ireland to oppose racism and celebrate the diversity of the human family. It encourages congregations to reflect on the importance of racial justice, give thanks for the gifts of different cultures, and commit to practical actions that address inequality and discrimination within the church and wider society. ¹

History of Racial Justice Sunday in the UK

The origins of this observance are linked to the work of the Methodist Church, which began celebrating a version of the day in 1989. However, the modern movement gained significant momentum following the racially motivated murder of Black teenager Stephen Lawrence in April 1993. The Lawrence family attended a Methodist church in South London, and the denomination’s support for their campaign for justice led to the formal establishment of Racial Justice Sunday in 1995. The goal was to ensure that the tragedy of Stephen’s death served as a catalyst for long-term change and awareness.

Initially, the date for the observance was set for the second Sunday in September. Over time, the Churches’ Commission for Racial Justice, a program of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, worked to mainstream the day across all Christian traditions. In 2017, the date was officially moved to the second Sunday in February to better align with the liturgical calendars of various denominations. Today, it is recognized as a major ecumenical event supported by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, the Church of England, the Salvation Army, and many other groups.

Why is Racial Justice Sunday in the UK important?

This day provides a dedicated time for churches to address the persistence of systemic racism and personal prejudice. It challenges the assumption that racism is a problem of the past or that it does not exist within religious communities. By focusing on theological principles of equality, the observance reminds participants that every person is created in the image of God and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of their background or skin color.

The observance is also crucial for promoting the visibility of Global Majority heritage and Black and Brown individuals in leadership and worship. It highlights the spiritual and cultural enrichment that diversity brings to the British and Irish churches. By participating in this day, congregations acknowledge past failings and commit to building a future where every member feels a true sense of belonging and has an equal opportunity to contribute their talents to the community.

• It commemorates the legacy and pursuit of justice for Stephen Lawrence.
• The day encourages churches to review and improve their anti-racism policies.
• It highlights the historical contributions of ethnic minorities to the UK.
• People use the date to pray for an end to racial violence and hatred.
• It fosters ecumenical cooperation among different Christian denominations.

How to Observe Racial Justice Sunday in the UK

Most churches observe the day by using specific liturgical resources provided by ecumenical organizations. These materials often include themed prayers, Bible readings, and sermon outlines that focus on themes like hospitality and neighborly love. Many congregations invite guest speakers from diverse backgrounds to share their experiences and insights. Some parishes also display artwork or icons that represent a wide range of cultures and ethnicities to reflect the global nature of the faith.

Beyond the Sunday service, people engage in workshops or study groups to learn about the history of racial justice movements in the UK. Many communities organize exhibitions or screenings of documentaries that explore the challenges faced by refugees, asylum seekers, and minoritized groups. Creating “red hand” displays or other visual symbols of solidarity is also common. Practical action often follows the day, such as partnering with local charities that support victims of discrimination or advocating for fair housing and employment practices.

• Participate in a special church service focused on racial reconciliation.
• Read books or watch documentaries about the history of civil rights in Britain.
• Use provided resource packs to lead a small group discussion on inclusion.
• Donate to organizations that support refugees and victims of racial prejudice.
• Share messages of solidarity and educational resources on social media.

Racial Justice Sunday in the UK Dates Table

1. https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/worship-texts-and-resources/liturgical-resources-racial-justice-sunday[↩]