Racism

London is an ethnic melting pot.  In some secondary schools over 90 ethnic groupings are represented.  All the statistics show that as time goes on the number of non-white, non-British born Londoners will continue to increase.

Into this incredible diversity come some alarming facts. Those in Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) groupings are far more likely to be poor, to live in overcrowded conditions and to be victims of racial motivated crime. Those in African Caribbean groups are far more likely to go to jail, do badly at school and be sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

Following the Stephen Lawrence murder and subsequent enquiries, BME groups are left with the feeling that institutionalized racism does indeed exist in our capital city.

New anti-terrorism legislation which leaves those from Muslim backgrounds in particular, open to what some have called human rights abuse.  In addition media-hype and speculation have made attacks against asylum seekers and the growth of BNP influence grow.

Key scripture references.

• Galatians 3:26:  There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
• Exodus 23:9: Do not oppress an alien; you yourselves know how it feels to be aliens, because you were aliens in Egypt
• Leviticus 19:33:  'When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him.
• Zechariah 7:10: Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other

Prayer points.

• Pray that the church leads the way in racial integration.
• Pray that the church leads the fight against the oppression of the alien.
• Pray that the witness of black majority and white churches working together in Soul in the City will have a huge impact
• Pray for Christians to have a positive influence in seemingly racist institutions.
• Pray against the fear that many right wing groups like to spread.
• Pray for wise leadership in dealing with the terrorist threat without perpetuating racism.

Jude Smith, lives and works in Marsh Farm Luton.  She teaches in a school with over 40 ethnic groups represented and works for the social action expression of a black majority church.