Ten members from the Diocese of Gloucester joined representatives from all six dioceses in the West Midlands for the West Midlands Racial Justice Initiative (WMRJI) two-day retreat on 16 and 17 October. The theme, “What is good collaboration and what does it look like within the six dioceses in the West Midlands Region?”, focused on building meaningful partnerships to tackle racial injustice within the Church of England.
Bishop Timothy Wambunya, Bishop of Wolverhampton, opened the retreat by highlighting five habits essential for collaboration: shared vision rooted in theology, mutual trust, shared accountability, learning from difference, and joy and hope.
Rosemarie Davidson, National Minority Ethnic Vocations Officer for the Church of England, guided participants through the Braving Framework, a practical and reflective tool for building trust. The framework focuses on seven key elements: boundaries, reliability, accountability, vault, integrity, non-judgement, and generosity.
Attendees explored trust not only as a practical necessity for collaboration but also as a spiritual practice that can strengthen relationships and collective purpose. The retreat also gave participants hands-on ideas for taking action locally, from supporting racial justice projects in schools to exploring micro-grants and developing more inclusive practices within their dioceses.
Canon Alexandra Dyer, Reader at St James’ Tredworth, Lay Canon in the Diocese of Gloucester, and WMRJI board member said:
“The experience was energising. I really felt a sense of common purpose working alongside colleagues from other dioceses. It was inspiring to see everyone committed to making change together.
“It motivated us, gave us practical tools, and challenged us on many levels. I left with a renewed purpose as a Reader and board member.”
Ann Sargent, Diocesan Director of Ordinands and Vocations Lead and WMRJI board member, said:
“Over and over, one thread emerged: it matters that we do this together as distinct dioceses, encouraging one another, holding each other to account, and inviting others to the table. Collaboration can be more than coordination – it can be communion.”
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