BAME Anglican

Sojourner Truth (born Isabella ("Belle") Baumfree;    1797 – November 26, 1883)  was an African-American abolitionist and women's rights activist. ‘Then that little man in black there, he says women can't have as much rights as men, 'cause Christ wasn't a woman! Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him.  If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back, and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it, the men better let them’. Sojourner Truth, from Ain’t I a woman

Our friends at Disability and Jesus are hosting a wonderful inclusive and accessible Christmas service in Newcastle. Please attend the event and share this information widely. 

3 rd November is the feast of St Martin de Porres of Peru, whose patronage extends to many causes, people and groups. Born in 1579, he died in 1639 at the age of 59. His racial and colonial heritage is of great importance, born to Ana Velázquez, a freed slave from Panama, his father was a nobleman, Don Juan de Porres. An illegitimate child born to a black woman Martin faced racism from an early age. Desiring to enter religious life and dedicate his life to God was not an easy task for him. Peruvian law of that time barred descendants of Africans and Native Americans from becoming full members of a reli gious order. Martin joined as a volunteer and took on menial tasks at the age of 15. Prior Juan de Lorenzana, decided to ignore the law and permitted Martin to take his vows and a member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic. This decision was not accepted by all at the order, some called Martin a ‘mulatto dog’ while others mocked him for being a illegitimate child wh