Diocese of Chichester

“Many Voices, One Church” will bring together voices from across our diocese and beyond – through worship, reflection, open dialogue, shared stories, uplifting music, and community celebration.

Presiding at the Eucharist will be Bishop Will Hazlewood (Bishop of Lewes and Diocesan Lead for Racial Justice) and Revd Emma Ham‑Riche (Associate Archdeacon for Diversity and Inclusion). We are especially honoured to welcome Bishop Rosemarie Mallett, Bishop of Croydon and Lead Bishop for Racial Justice in the Church of England. 

In his foreword to the new toolkit, Bishop Will writes,

“Racial justice is not a separate or optional aspect of Christian discipleship. It is woven into the gospel itself – a gospel that breaks down dividing walls, restores relationships, and calls God’s people into a new community shaped by grace and truth. Across our churches and communities, we continue to hear stories that remind us how far we still have to travel. There remain experiences of exclusion, misunderstanding, and harm. Yet there are also signs of hope: deeper conversations, courageous honesty, and a growing desire to understand one another more fully.”

Keynote insights will be offered by Professor Alan Lester (University of Sussex) and Vitalis Ngwambi, Racial Justice Co‑ordinator for the Diocese of Chichester. We will also hear reflections from Revd Canon Martha Mutikani, Revd Alan Green, Augustina Tetsola, and Ivy Manning, sharing stories and prayers for a more inclusive church.

To ground our reflections, participants will be invited to write pledges, suggestions, or prayers on a Commitment Wall – visible signs of collective hope and action. A multicultural choir will lift our hearts in song, and the day will close in fellowship over food inspired by both English and African traditions.

Everyone is welcome – clergy, parish representatives, and all who seek a more just and inclusive Church.

Registration is appreciated for catering purposes:
👉 Register here

For more information, please contact the Racial Justice Co‑ordinator, Vitalis Ngwambi, via email.

Please share the following invitation across your networks:

“Many Voices, One Church” – Diocesan Racial Justice Launch Gathering

Join us on Sunday 1 March, 3–6pm at St John the Evangelist, Knoyle Road, Brighton, followed by a shared meal featuring traditional English and African cuisine.

This gathering marks the beginning of the Diocese’s Racial Justice journey — a time for reflection, dialogue, music, storytelling, and community building. We will also launch the new Diocesan Racial Justice Toolkit.

The Bishop of Lewes and Revd Emma Ham-Richie, Associate Archdeacon for Diversity and Inclusion, will preside at the Eucharist and Bishop Rosemarie Mallett, lead bishop for racial justice and deputy chair of the Racial Justice Board, will preach.

Keynote speakers include Professor Alan Lester (University of Sussex) and Vitalis Ngwambi, Diocesan Racial Justice Coordinator. We will also hear short presentations from invited guests.

For more details and to book your place, visit the Diocesan website.

To contact the Racial Justice Coordinator email Vitalis here

You can find the programme for the event here