Church of England Report Highlights Structural Racism Blocking Progress for People of Colour

 

A new report from the Church of England’s racial justice commission has revealed “unabated” structural and institutional racism that obstructs people of colour from advancing within the church. The six-month study, titled Behind the Stained Glass, was based on data analysis of hiring and promotion practices, alongside interviews with minority ethnic clergy.

The report did not aim to validate or refute institutional racism within the church, but its findings underscore the significant impact of both structural and institutional racism on people of colour. Paul Boateng, chair of the commission and the UK’s first Black cabinet minister, described the findings as “stark and shaming.” He emphasized the church’s ongoing failures in addressing racial inequities, urging those in power to take actionable steps beyond symbolic gestures like Black History Month. “Those exercising power within the Church of England might make history by ending repeated failures to address the glaringly obvious defects in their practices,” Lord Boateng said.

Conducted by the Institute for Educational & Social Equity, the report criticized the lack of comprehensive demographic data on clergy. Boateng questioned why the church remains behind current HR and data practices widely implemented in other sectors. Analysis of limited data found that Black applicants accounted for 15% of all applications to clergy posts between January and April 2024, yet comprised 29% of those rejected or who withdrew. In contrast, white applicants made up 75% of all applications but represented only 63% of rejections.

The report noted that applicants of colour often lacked “cultural capital” deemed necessary for career progression, with “class and cultural dynamics” presenting additional barriers. It cited a tendency within the church to prioritize conformity to “English culture” in speech, mannerisms, and qualifications over diverse experiences.

The study also highlighted incidents of unconscious bias and overt racism reported by minority clergy, including discriminatory remarks and actions from congregations, dioceses, and church structures. Theologian and broadcaster Robert Beckford praised the report, noting similar issues exist across other major white-majority Christian churches in Britain. Beckford called for a stronger push to diversify curriculums in theological training, pointing out that only three educators of African or Caribbean heritage currently teach theology in British universities.

In response, Lambeth Palace and Bishopthorpe Palace welcomed the findings, acknowledging the presence of barriers for UK minority ethnic and global majority heritage (UKME/GMH) clergy in reaching leadership roles. The archbishops of Canterbury and York reiterated their commitment to racial justice and expressed hope that the Church of England will become a more inclusive environment for all.