In a foreword, the Bishops of London and of Southwark state: "Racism is a disease in our society that we can cure and that we must cure." Building on a first edition in 1994, the new Colour and Spice draws on recent experience, legislative changes and the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report to provide a completely up-to-date handbook. It has been prepared by the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education and the London Diocesan Board for Schools and will be sent to church schools on January 12.

The Rt Rev John Sentamu, Bishop for Stepney, who was born in Uganda and was a member of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry team, writes an introductory message. He says: "A community of reconciliation, love and justice, which shares in a foretaste of God's eternal kingdom cannot be monochrome. It needs 'colour and spice' while recognising at the same time that God 'created from one stock every nation of men to inhabit the whole earth's surface ….' (Acts 17:26)." "Our church schools must be places which give us a glimpse of what heaven will be like." He chaired the working party which produced the first edition of Colour and Spice in Southwark Diocese in 1994, when he was a parish priest at Tulse Hill in south London.

This jointly published second edition gives some background material together with a wealth of practical advice and ideas for combating racism, ranging from racial equality policies to management of behaviour.

It embraces religious education and worship, which it says must respect diversity and present different traditions and ways of life impartially and accurately, while teaching about Christianity 'in all its richness and comprehensiveness'

All pupils need encouragement to achieve their full potential, says Colour and Spice, but minority ethnic, especially black, pupils continue to under-achieve and some strategies are suggested to redress this. It also gives guidance on admission policies and on appointment and appraisal of staff.

Linda Borthwick, Director of Education for Southwark Diocese, commends the guidelines to all Church of England schools in the Diocese, saying: "Racism has no part in the Christian Gospel. The themes of justice and the importance of human worth underpin the chapters of this document in a way which challenges our complacency, our prejudices and our misconceptions."

FURTHER INFORMATION FROM:
Dr Carol Jerwood at Southwark Diocesan Board of Education, 020 7234 9200;
Penny Harvey at London Diocesan Board for Schools, 020 7932 1151.

Ends.

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