Racial Justice Sunday in the UK Date in the current year: February 11, 2024

Racial Justice Sunday (RJC) was initiated by the Methodist Church in 1989. In 1995, it became an ecumenical event celebrated by Christian churches in Britain and Ireland. Racial Justice Sunday was originally observed on the second Sunday of September, but it was moved to the secound Suday in February so that Education Sunday could take its place.

On this day, Christians across the country join together to pray for an end to racism and reflect on the importance of racial justice. Each year, a new theme for the day is selected. For example, on September 8, 2013, most churches focused on the 50th anniversary of “I Have a Dream”, one of the best known public speeches delivered by Martin Luther King, Jr. A year before that, the theme was “Being an Inclusive Church, not an Inclusive Club”. The theme may vary from church to church, but it is always related to some aspect of racial justice.

Racial Justice Sunday is celebrated in many parishes across the United Kingdom. On this day, churches hold special services, fundraising events, meetings, etc. Parishioners give thanks for human diversity, ask God to help them overcome prejudices, and pray to end injustice and racism.