Members of many church denominations in Caversham joined together on Monday, July 20, via Zoom, to listen to the stories of black, Asian and minority ethnic residents of Caversham in response to recent demonstrations after the death of George Floyd in the USA and other racial attacks and incidents.
Bishop Headley Gayle, pastor of the New Testament Church of God, brought together more than 60 people from Caversham churches and beyond. They were joined by the Rt Revd Olivia Graham, Bishop of Reading.
They heard stories of lives encompassing journeys from Jamaica, Barbados, Nigeria and India to Caversham. Some included aspects of the racism now being debated across the world, and the inspiring message to value all people as created equally in the sight of God. All present agreed the importance of listening to such stories and taking them back to their churches and communities.
“This was a positive start to what we hope will be a continuing and growing conversation that we all can learn from and celebrate the diversity of Caversham and Reading,” said Bishop Headley Gayle.