This week we will be remembering Stephen Lawrence on the 30th anniversary of his murder.
A defining moment for the UK.
At the weekend, churches all around the country acknowledged the continued fight for racial justice.
Today in collective worship staff shared the reading of the prayer below which was read at his memorial service on Saturday by Bishop Sarah.
A prayer for Stephen Lawrence Day
Almighty God, the source of all hope and justice,
Your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ brought us good news of love offering equality and inclusion of all,
You call us to radical action and not just empty words,
To stand-up against racism and all forms of discrimination against all our brothers and sisters.
On this the 30th Anniversary of the murder of Stephen Lawrence,
We pray for the family and friends of Stephen who still experience his loss,
We ask for forgiveness when we close our eyes, ears, and hearts to the injustices of those around us,
We call on those in authority to act against institutional racism that is part of everyday life and afflicts too many people of Global Majority Heritage,
We ask you to continue to bless the work of the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation that keeps his memory and legacy alive.
God of grace, mercy, and love,
Move us to neighbourly love to all those who are hurt, angry and feel abandoned,
Release us from our self-centredness so we can help heal a world in pain,
Let us, your Church, speak out against discrimination against all those you created and love,
May our voices amplify the shouts for justice and equality for all.
We ask this in the name of the God of love, justice, and mercy who calls us to share peace, freedom, and liberty with all.
Amen