Diocese of Chichester

The event, titled Black History in Church Spaces, took place at St Luke’s Church in Prestonville to mark the start of Black History Month. Bringing together poetry, musical performances, and archival presentations. The afternoon exhibition at St Luke's encouraged attendees to examine their own church heritage while highlighting broader racial justice initiatives across the Church of England.

Among the historical connections highlighted was Newtimber St John the Evangelist's Church in West Sussex, where the parish uncovered links between former local landowners and the transatlantic plantation economy. Subsequent research into the parish's colonial history culminated in an exhibition and a memorial honouring the Black South African troops who died in the sinking of the SS Mendi in 1917.

Historian, Professor Alan Lester said: "Whether churches are tiny rural parishes or big urban centres, all of our churches are densely connected with Britain's imperial past. It is a deeply welcoming, culturally enriching experience to explore the past together."

Kwesi Ochosi from the Lambeth Palace Library, said: "There really is a wealth of history hidden in the archives... support is available to help you discover what's relevant to your local church."

The event prompted reflection among attendees on how local history is understood across generations.

Lisa, attendee, said: "It is quite revealing how far back the involvement of Black people in the church goes - something not appreciated by many of the younger generation."

Another attendee added: "One challenge I'm taking back to my parish is to find out where the original funding for our church came from, listening to different voices and amplifying those that were suppressed."

Vitalis Ngwambi, Diocesan Racial Justice Coordinator, said the exhibitionaims to show that Black history is integral to the broader heritage of the Church of England.

He said: "Together, these stories demonstrate that Black history is not separate from the history of the Church. It is part of our shared story of faith, witness, struggle, sacrifice, and hope."

Hosting the exhibition in your parish

To help spread these stories across the region, a set of portable exhibition banners has been produced for local display.

Parishes interested in displaying the exhibition banners are warmly invited to contact Vitalis Ngwambi, Diocesan Racial Justice Coordinator, via email at Vitalis.Ngwambi@Chichester.Anglican.Org.

Diocesan Closing Event

Building on the gathering, the Diocese is hosting a closing event for Black History Month on Sunday, 25 October 2026.

The day will focus on the life of Roque Ferdinand, a formerly enslaved man remembered in an 1789 memorial at St Mary Magdalene Church in Madehurst. The plaque is believed to be one of only two 18th-century church memorials in the Church of England dedicated to a formerly enslaved person.

11:00 BST — Commemorative Service

Venue: St Mary’s Church, Slindon

Speakers: Keynote address by Prof Alan Lester (University of Sussex), alongside Alysia-Lara (Interim Deputy Director for Racial Justice, Church of England) and Vitalis Ngwambi.

15:00 BST — Plaque Unveiling & Blessing

Venue: St Mary Magdalene Church, Madehurst

Details: Unveiling of a new interpretive plaque alongside the original 1789 memorial to provide fuller context on Roque Ferdinand’s life. Traditional African refreshments will follow the blessing.