In the foreword, the Bishops of Southwark and London state: "Racism is a disease in our society that we can and 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. It has been prepared by the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education and the London Diocesan Board for Schools.

Bishop John Sentamu (above), in an introductory message 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 ..'. Our church schools must be places which give us a glimpse of what heaven will be like."

He chaired the Southwark working party which produced the first edition of Colour and Spice in 1994, when he was a parish priest at Tulse Hill.

This jointly published second edition gives background material, 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, added: "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."

Peckham school appeals for funds

St. Mary Magdalene C of E School, Peckham, has launched a £350,000 appeal to furnish the new school building currently under construction and retain the old site for a playground.

The old school was built in 1856 with just two school rooms - one for girls, one for boys. Extension and adaptions over 150 years led to a badly laid out building mainly with wooden partitions between classrooms. Now a new school building is under construction on a neighbouring site originally acquired for playground space. The new school will have seven classrooms, a hall, library and kitchen.

Les Alden, Vice Chair of Governors explains "At last we are getting a new school - but an empty one! The assumption is that all existing facilities and furniture will be transferred from the old building. However like anyone moving house we would like to improve things and also take the opportunity to develop new ideas to make the school a better place. This will cost around £100,000".

The appeal committee of governors, staff and parents also wants to hold on to the old school site and turn it into playground space rather than see it sold for housing once the new school opens - that will cost a further £250,000.

If you would like details of the appeal contact Les c/o the school, in Godman Road London SE15 3SZ. There is also a website: www.looksouth.net/smm

Children's Society gets a line of cash

Sunday school children complete the line of silver coins at St Stephen's, Dulwich, Patronal Festival in November. The coins, given by the congregation, stretched from the font to the chancel and raised over £100 for the Children's Society.