Dig Deeper. Look Closer. Think Bigger.
October is Black History Month, a chance to celebrate the stories, achievements and contributions of Black and Brown people within our communities, our nation and our Church.
This year’s theme, “Dig Deeper. Look Closer. Think Bigger.”, encourages us to listen, learn and reflect more deeply. It invites us to discover stories that may be unfamiliar, challenge assumptions, and celebrate the rich diversity of God’s people.
The Diocese of Gloucester’s Racial Justice Action Group (RJAG) is encouraging every parish to get involved. Whether through worship, conversation, creative activities, community events or simply taking time to learn together, every church can play a part.
The resources and events below have been designed to help parishes engage with Black History Month in ways that are meaningful, accessible and inspiring. We hope they will encourage us all to dig deeper, look closer and think bigger as we grow together in faith, understanding and belonging.
Events in the Diocese of Gloucester
Competition time: Here in the Diocese of Gloucester, we are encouraging children and young people to think more deeply about Black and Brown people from history, their community or even their own family, who inspire them and to tell their stories in a creative way. There are some great prizes up for grabs and Bishop Rachel will present the prizes at a celebration evening on 5 November at 6pm at St James’ Church, Barton and Tredworth.
Exhibition time: The winning art and poetry will be exhibited at St Mary De Crypt Gloucester from 11 November. All are welcome to come to see the creativity and challenge yourself to think more deeply about the amazing contributions Black and Brown people have made through history and today.
Celebration worship: On 25 October at 6pm, there will be a celebration evening at Gloucester Cathedral. All are welcome and there are activities for children and space for young people to play an active part in the service.
Find out more and register to attend here →
Be inspired: Canon Ade Osumsanmi is on the next episode of the West Midlands Racial Justice Initiative podcast, Seasons of Justice podcast. She speaks about the importance of having challenging conversations and about the work our local Racial Justice Action Group (RJAG) is doing to promote racial justice locally. The group acts as a critical friend for deaneries and parishes on all things racial justice, support gathering of data to help us make a more targeted approach to recruitment. They also promote reflection, celebration and education across the Diocese of Gloucester.
Create your own event or explore racial justice more deeply
Get funding with a micro grant
Apply for a West Midlands Racial Justice Initiative micro grant of up to £1,500 for projects clearly demonstrating benefits in reducing racism and exclusion.
Find out more and apply here →
Black History Month racial justice resource pack
The Black History Month website provides a pack of materials for £84.45 with content for schools, workplaces, local authorities, charities, libraries etc. Their 2026 theme is Honouring Our Communities.
Visit the Black History Month website →
Liturgy for Racial Justice Sunday (can be used on other days too)
Racial Justice Sunday takes place on the second Sunday of February every year. The Church of England provides liturgy that you can use to support your worship and to commit to end racism and acts of discrimination. If your worshipping community didn’t use the resources this year, you could use the 2026 liturgy during Black History Month or at another time that suits your context.
Find and collect and liturgy here →
Calendar of events
Throughout the year there are many opportunities to reflect on different areas of racial justice.
Download the calendar of key racial awareness events (2026) here →
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