The appalling and unacceptable murder of George Floyd, in the United States of America, has highlighted the need for further visible and decisive responses to profound injustice, both in Minneapolis and within our own English culture. I endorse wholeheartedly the joint statement issued today by the Archbishops of York and Canterbury.

I appreciate, at this time, people will want to make their feelings known, as I do, for example by standing together and socially distanced on Thursday in Birmingham city centre. Peaceful protest and transparent solidarity have always been a significant part of the witness of the church.

I expect that Christians, including the clergy, will want to be firmly alongside our neighbours and we may do so significantly by prayer, at home, on-line, on social media, in private outdoor spaces in our permitted groups and where it is safe to do so individually in public.

During this intense period of the Covid-19 pandemic, we will do this making personal choices, to keep everyone safe.

We have before us the daunting task of eradicating personal and institutional racism. With Lord Jesus’ humbling, forgiving power, we can each be transformed and so be part of making a truly diverse, free, and reconciled society.

Echoing the prayer of our Archbishops, I too pray ‘that God’s abounding wisdom, compassion and love will guide us’.