Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month: Onwards with Hope
June marks Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month (GRTHM), an annual UK-wide celebration since 2008. This year’s theme, “Onwards with Hope,” encourages us to look ahead and consider the kind of future we are called to build together—one shaped by dignity, inclusion and mutual understanding.
Through celebration, education and awareness-raising, GRTHM challenges prejudice, amplifies the voices of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, and highlights their rich cultural heritage and contributions to society.
This call to reflection and action is echoed within the Diocese of Chichester. Vitalis Ngwambi, Diocesan Racial Justice Co-ordinator, emphasises the importance of both celebration and listening: “During Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month, we have an opportunity not only to celebrate the rich heritage, resilience and contributions of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, but also to listen deeply to their lived experiences.”
He highlights the Church’s responsibility to be a place of genuine welcome and belonging, adding that this involves “challenging prejudice, addressing the legacy of exclusion and discrimination, and creating space for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people to share their gifts and participate fully in the life of the Church.” Rooted in our shared identity in Christ, he reminds us that “our diversity is a gift to be embraced, celebrated and cherished.”
Rev Dr Godfrey Kesari, vicar at Holy Innocents Church, Southwater, is passionate about racial justice and will be leading the GRT communities celebratory service. He said: "We will be celebrating GRT History Month on the 28th June Sunday, at 10 am. We will be offering prayers for the GRT community, sharing prayer booklets, book marks and information on GRT friendly churches as part of our worship service."
A range of resources is available through Friends, Families and Travellers and the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller Friendly Churches website to support churches and schools in engaging with GRTHM:
- GRTHM Brochure - an introduction to the month and its significance
- Education Pack - classroom-ready teaching materials
- GRTHM Competition - details for pupil participation
- Digital Engagement Pack - content for websites, newsletters and social media
- Timeline of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller histories - suitable for display
- Prayer Booklet - prayers and reflections celebrating heritage and resilience, and praying for an end to prejudice
Resources can be accessed here:
https://sanctuaryplaces.co.uk/prayer-booklet/prayer-booklet-friendly-churches.pdf
https://www.gypsy-traveller.org/grthm/
Upcoming event
On 25 June, the Sanctuary Roads II Conference, organised by the Diocese of Salisbury and Southwark Cathedral, will bring together people from across the Church to deepen relationships with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. The conference offers an important opportunity for learning, listening and strengthening partnerships.
Churches and schools are encouraged to explore these resources and consider how they might support learning, reflection and inclusion this June.
For further information, please contact Ivy Manning at Ivy@gypsy-traveller.org.