In the 1950s and 60s, the UK invited people from around what is now the Commonwealth to come to Britain to help the post war rebuilding effort. Many came from the Caribbean. Their experience however upon arrival was of intense prejudice and rejection. Guest houses put up signs saying “no dogs and no blacks”.
Sadly, although many came with a strong and lively Christian heritage, they experienced rejection in the church too. I know people who were treated as second class citizens, as the servants when they came. Even when there was a positive reaction and people were welcome, it was felt that it would be impossible to accommodate new cultures into existing churches. The result was that a lot of new “black” churches were planted. We ended up with racial segregation on Sundays. People coming from south Asia, from Islamic and Hindu backgrounds also experienced racism and rejection. The result was that they were not given the opportunity to hear the Gospel.
One thing that has struck, challenged and encouraged me in recent years has been that we have experienced a new and significant migration, particularly from African countries where there is a strong Gospel heritage. Whilst, African networks such as the Redeemed Church of God have been active planting churches, many of the leaders are expressing a desire to see multi-ethnic churches planted and other Christians have committed to joining existing churches. There seems to be a recognition that God has brought them here with a Gospel mission.
Could God be giving the UK church a second chance? Is there an opportunity for greater fellowship and partnership, unity between churches and welcome within churches? We look forward to a day when people from every nation and tongue will gather around the throne to worship the lamb. Do we long for a foretaste of that now?
What lessons do we need to learn from the past and from other Christians? Is there need for repentance? How might things look different this time around?
Faithroots 