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Rev Guy Hewitt banner.jpg
Church of England
Rev Guy Hewitt.jpg
Church of England
World News

C of E appoints first Racial Justice Director

by Kelly Valencia

Former Barbados High Commissioner to the UK and leading figure in the campaign to highlight the impact of the Windrush scandal, Rev Guy Hewitt, has been appointed as the Church of England's first Racial Justice Director. 

The announcement follows the resignation of the Archbishops' Adviser for Minority Ethnic Anglican Concerns, Dr Sanjee Perera who hinted a potential tension over her role's continued place alongside the Archbishops' Racial Justice Commission.

In her resignation letter, posted on Twitter earlier this month, she said she had resigned with "deep sadness and regret" and was waiting for the new director to be appointed to vacate the role. 

In April last year, the Archbishops' Anti-Racism Taskforce published the Lament to Action report setting out recommendations to help church leaders fulfil their commitment to identify, respond to, and root out systemic racism in the Church.

Among those recommendations was the creation of a directorate role in charge of overseeing the work of the Racial Justice Unit. 

Rev Hewitt will be leading the unit to ensure the taskforce's recommendations and the work of the Commission are implemented. It will be located within the Archbishops' Council and report to the Secretary General. 

The London-born minister has a background in social policy and development and is currently an Advisory Board member of the University of London's Windrush Scandal Research Project.

"I am humbled by the confidence of those who have chosen me to serve as the inaugural director and look forward to what I plan to be a participatory and inclusive process of restoration," he said.

"The Commission on Racial Justice is an important step towards the Church becoming truly one in Christ Jesus.

"The indelible link between our faith and public life is reinforced at Confirmation with our vow to defend the weak, and to seek peace and justice."

Rev Hewitt trained for ordained ministry with the Diocese of Southwark and is currently associate vicar at All Saints Church in Fulham, southwest London.

The head of the Archbishops' Commission on Racial Justice, Lord Boateng, said he "warmly" welcomed the "long-awaited" appointment of a Racial Justice Director. 

"The Revd Guy Hewitt brings a wealth of experience to the task at both Parish and International levels.

"The Unit he will lead must now be adequately staffed and resourced to deliver on the change promised. The Commission greatly looks forward to working with the Rev Hewitt going forward."

Rev Hewitt will officially start his post in November.
 

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