Open Letter to Mother Elaine Wykes

A few days ago we were talking about BAME inclusion the in CoE. M other Elaine Wykes asked how to facilitate inclusion, here are a few quick thoughts we have on the issue.  We are grateful to her for starting the process of thinking inclusively. 

Dear Mother Elaine,

Thank you for asking. We know you are genuine and someone who has had to prove themselves in Church just as much as we do. Our issues with race are similar to those you have experienced as a woman priest.

1 Our faith rather than culture must be given priority. Culture we find can be oppressive; while some aspects of it are wonderful it must not be accepted uncritically. Example- forced marriages happen within certain cultures, it is more important to respect women and the law rather than culture in these cases.

2 We want to be included in everyday activities of the church, cleaning, making tea, alter serving are all part of it.

3 We want to be included in discerning our vocation. While BAME men are included to a certain extent BAME women are often overlooked when it comes to vocations.

4 This one is a bit controversial, instead of running single ethnicity churches (we find them quite self centred) mixed churches should be encouraged. We need to be one community in Christ, rather than an ethnic club.

5 While it is essential to talk to people of other faiths some of us have escaped from those faiths and our apostasy has come at a very high price. Some of us will have nothing to do with our old faith. Please keep us in mind when talking to those of other faiths.

6 We are family and joined together through Christ we might not know or understand British culture but we are willing to learn. There are some wonderful things in your culture and we would be happy to learn about them.

7 If we are asked for our opinion be prepared to listen, it wont always be pleasant but unless we talk we will never move forward. However discretion is needed.

8 This one is for both our communities, we need to work towards seeing each other as fellow Christians first and letting go of ethnic stereotypes. 

With love and prayers,

BAMEAnglican