How did the Amazing Grace Learning Communities develop?

Diocese of Coventry: 

The Amazing Grace Learning Community was piloted in the Diocese of Coventry in July 2020 in response to the murder of George Floyd. There were 40 clergy and lay leaders who were involved - covering various areas of ministry including parish ministry, cathedral chaplaincy, schools, the charity sector, diocesan officers, and spiritual accompaniers. 

We were grateful for the support of Bishop Christopher Cocksworth and Bishop John Stroyan, as well as for the support of the Racial Equality Action Group in the diocese.

Thanks to the original planning team from the Diocese of Coventry: 

The Revd Ellie Clack (facilitator) 

The Revd Dwayne Engh  

The Revd Gareth Irvine  

Mrs Anna Naish 

The Revd Kate Massey 

The Revd Canon Dr Rosalyn Murphy  

Dismantling Whiteness Conference: 

Two members of the planning team (the Revd Dwayne Engh and the Revd Kate Massey) presented the pilot Amazing Grace Learning Community as a Case Study at the Dismantling Whiteness: Critical White Theology Conference on 17 April 2021. The online conference was hosted by Regent’s Park College, Oxford and included a variety of speakers exploring the theme of Deconstructing Whiteness as a response to the Black Lives Matter Movement. 

Diocese of Derby: 

When I (the Revd Dwayne Engh) moved from parish ministry in the Diocese of Coventry to the role of Ordained Ministries Development Officer in the Diocese of Derby, we set up another Amazing Grace Learning Community in the Diocese of Derby.  There were 31 clergy and lay leaders who were involved - covering various areas including parish ministry, chaplaincy, diocesan officers, and spiritual accompaniers.   

We were grateful for the support of Bishop Libby Lane and Bishop Malcolm Macnaughton as they continue to work to oversee further Race Equality across the life of the Diocese.  

Thanks to the planning team from the Diocese of Derby: 

The Revd Julius Anozie  

The Revd Dwayne Engh (facilitator) 

Dr Jo Henderson-Merrygold  

The Revd Becky Reeve  

The Revd Jacqueline Stober  

The Revd Canon Dr Rosalyn Murphy (regular guest from the Diocese of Coventry) 

Thanks to all the participants who journeyed with us, who asked questions, who challenged us, and who supported us.  We are grateful. 

We hope you find the course as valuable and transformational as we did.

We welcome your feedback and thoughts.

May God bless you and the work you do for racial equality in our churches and dioceses.