The Diocese of Norwich has introduced an anti-racist guide, encouraging churches to embrace greater diversity in worship.

The guidance, designed for around 650 churches in rural East Anglia, suggests using different languages in prayers and hymns, ensuring church imagery reflects the diversity of the global Christian community, and recognising special observances such as Racial Justice Sunday.

Clergy are also encouraged to incorporate prayers that celebrate diversity.

"Invite people to say the Lord’s Prayer in their own language and ensure that intercessions are aligned with the concerns of the congregation and are not entirely Eurocentric," the guidance states.

The toolkit is part of the Church of England’s broader efforts to address racial justice, following its 'From Lament to Action' report in 2021.

The initiative has sparked debate, with some questioning its necessity in a diocese that remains “95 per cent white".

Rev Dr Ian Paul, associate minister at St Nic’s in Nottingham, told The Telegraph: “It seems extraordinary that money is being spent on this when parishes are crying out for more clergy.”

Despite this, church leaders argue that change is needed.

A spokesman for the Diocese of Norwich defended the guidance, stating: "We are committed to being a Church for all in our communities, and this must include people from all parts of society.

"Anglicanism is a global communion, and as disciples of Jesus, we benefit from the insights of Christians from a range of cultures and experiences."

The toolkit aligns with recent efforts by the Church of England to address its history of racial injustice.

In November, a review by the Archbishops’ Commission for Racial Justice described the Church as “structurally and institutionally racist", highlighting a “lack of cultural awareness” in predominantly white congregations.

The new guidance remains optional.