Postponed – Commissioning for Change: West Midlands Racial Justice Service

Due to the short notice for this service, it has been agreed since going to press that this service of celebration will be postponed until 2025.

The newly formed West Midlands Regional Racial Justice team is officially commissioned, blessed, and sent out to fulfil their mission of promoting racial justice across the region.

The service will be led by a distinguished group of clergy, including:

• The Rt Revd Ruth Worsley, Acting Bishop of Coventry

• The Rt Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave, Bishop of Lichfield

• The Very Revd John Witcombe, Dean of Coventry

• Nitano Muller, Canon for Worship and Welcome at Coventry Cathedral

• The Revd Dr Evie Vernon O’Brien, Director of the West Midlands Regional Racial Justice Unit, who will also deliver the homily

In addition to the spiritual leadership, the service will feature musical performances by the Cathedral Choir, the Blue Coat School Choir, and the Kingdom Gospel Singers. A special highlight will be Mobu E’s performance of Okaka’m Okaka’m and Nso ka Jehovah di (Mighty God and Holy One).

The congregation will also participate in hymn singing, including:

• For the Healing of the Nations
• Brother Sister Let Me Serve You
• The Kingdom of God is Justice and Joy

The service will integrate various elements such as prayers, testimony, poetry, and the official commissioning of the West Midlands Regional Racial Justice team. Following the service, refreshments will be provided.

This event invites all attendees to reflect on racial justice, build community, and witness the commissioning of leaders committed to addressing racial inequality within the region.