For Black History Month and in response to rising hatred and division

God of all people and all stories,
You created every person in Your image—
every shade of skin, every culture, every language—
and You called it good.
(Genesis 1:27)

We come before You now, aware of the pain and division in our world.
We see the rise of antisemitism and Islamophobia,
the spread of racism and white supremacy,
the twisting of faith into Christian nationalism,
and the scapegoating of refugees and asylum seekers.

During this Black History Month,
we honour the faith, resistance, and brilliance of Black communities.
This is a story of courage, creativity, and deep hope.
And it is also the Church’s story—
a story we inherit not only in its triumphs, but in its wounds.

We confess that, too often, the Church has caused harm.
It has been silent in the face of injustice,
complicit in systems of oppression,
and slow to repent when it should have led the way.

Forgive us, O God.
Forgive our denial, our delay, and our defensiveness.
Open our eyes to what has been hidden,
and soften our hearts to what we would rather ignore.

But do not let us stay in confession alone.
Move us into action.
By Your Spirit, make us a Church that listens well and loves boldly—
that stands in true solidarity with those who are Black,
with migrants and asylum seekers,
with all who are excluded, targeted, or oppressed.

Let us be known—not for our power,
but for our humility, our courage, and our love.

We pray in the name of Jesus Christ—
who broke down dividing walls,
welcomed the outsider, and called us to follow.
(Ephesians 2:14, Matthew 25:35–40)

Amen.