The Bishop of Birmingham is delighted to announce that the Rev'd Wayne Hamilton has accepted an invitation to become the new Chair of the Birmingham Racial Justice Board.
Wayne, who is a self-supporting minister serving St James' Handsworth, takes up the Chair from the Rev'd Canon Bamidele Sotonwa. Canon Sotonwa served as Chair for the first three years of the life of the Board and his servant-hearted, prayerful leadership has borne a great deal of fruit as the diocese has sought to implement the recommendations of the 'From Lament to Action' report.
Canon Sotonwa said,
‘It has been a profound privilege to serve as Chair of the Birmingham Racial Justice Board over the past three years. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside committed colleagues and friends in advancing the vital work of racial justice within our diocese. I give thanks to God for the progress we made together and I remain hopeful for what lies ahead as we strive for God’s expectations of flourishing for all.’
The Board now looks towards a second three-year phase of work, and includes new members who look forward to building on the work of those who have gone before.
Bishop Michael said,
'On behalf of Church of England Birmingham, I warmly thank Dele for his energetic and courageous leadership as Chair of the Birmingham Racial Justice Board these past three years. Much of value has been achieved and for this we give great thanks to God. There is much still to be done, and I am grateful that Wayne has responded to God's prompting and call to take up this position of leadership in Church of England Birmingham. Wayne is a person of prayer and humility, and he brings a great deal of experience and wisdom to this important role. I look forward to working closely with Wayne and the Board as we seek to tackle the sin of racism.
'Please pray for Dele as he lays this ministry down, for Wayne as he takes on a significant new responsibility, and for the Board members as they continue to lead us towards God’s hopeful future of justice, dignity and flourishing for all.’
The members of the new Board will meet for a day-retreat in mid-September to pray and reflect together before beginning formal bi-monthly meetings in late September and progressing the work of racial justice among and with us.