The Church of England has voted to tackle claims of a "pale, male and
stale" leadership with a new campaign to recruit more ethnic minority
people.
Members of the General Synod voted overwhelmingly in favour of positive action
to recruit ethnic minority clergy into the church's leadership.
The move came after a report by the Venerable Daniel Kajumba, Archdeacon of
Reigate, showed only 1.1% of bishops, archdeacons and cathedral deans posts
are filled by ethnic minorities.
The four ethnic minority clergy in these roles are Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop
of York, the Rt Rev David Hamid, Suffragan Bishop of Europe, The Very Rev
Rogers Govender, Dean of Manchester Cathedral, and himself in his post as
Archdeacon of Reigate, he said.
This was in spite of congregations of up to 90% ethnic minorities in inner
cities, he added, and a growing proportion of ethnic minority worshippers in
rural and suburban areas.
The Ven Kajumba said there had been no change over the last 10 years in the
proportion of ethnic minority people in top roles, in "striking contrast" to
growing numbers in Parliament and in wider society.
"Looking at the recent visit of President Obama, when minority ethnic people
were visible and prominent - what can we say for ourselves?" he said.
"Most often they are seen as acolytes and serving tea and coffee. Not that it
is not a worthwhile service, but we need this participation in every sector
and aspect of church life," he said.
The Ven Kajumba added that the Church of England should be vigilant against
racism, in both "blatant" and subtle forms, and the role it plays in the
recruitment of clergy.
All diocesan bishops are to be asked to look for ethnic minority clergy who
are qualified to join the "preferment list" of suitable candidates for
promotion.
Figures will be collected for each of the Church of England dioceses for the
number of black, Asian and other minority ethnic clergy and laity in
"significant" roles.
These include suffragan bishops, deans, archdeacons and residentiary canons
along with other key posts.