Racial Justice, Equality and Diversity in Sacred Scripture
Racial Justice, Equality and Diversity Mission Statement
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
(John 13:35)
The above verse, taken from the Gospel of John, is central to Westminster Diocese’s mission to promote racial justice, equality and diversity. The command to love our neighbour extends to all human beings irrespective of race, ethnicity, culture, or background. As an expression of that love, we envision a vibrant community with full equality, that embraces diversity and allows for equality of opportunity for all.
We aim to challenge bias, discrimination or stereotyping that can lead to racial injustice or inequality and will work to embed anti-racist practice into all areas of our work. We aim to address the cumulative effects of past and present inequities to eliminate disparities and enable all our members to flourish. We believe that this can be achieved through the education of the whole person throughout the whole curriculum with Christ at the centre.
As servants of Christ, we assert the primacy of love, the uniqueness of the person, the importance of solidarity, the pursuit of academic excellence and our commitment to equality, social justice and the common good as the visible fruits of the faith. The Gospel is at the heart of the work of the Diocese and we serve one another in the knowledge that we only have one teacher, Jesus who prayed that we “may be one” (John 17:11).
At St. Cross Catholic Primary School, our vision is to make diversity and anti-racism central to our curriculum and practice so that everyone feels valued and know they truly belong.
God does not discriminate: each person is equally called and valued and no-one can escape his infinite love and mercy. He is also fair and unbiased, protecting his people, especially those who are disadvantaged or suffering.
(Racial Justice, Equality and Diversity in Sacred Scripture)
"Those who say they love God, must love their brothers and sisters." 1 John 4:19-21
"Love one another, share with those in need, live in peace" Romans 12: 9-18
"God created all people in His image" Genesis 1:26-31
Why RJED Matters
Our RJED approach is about:
- Representation: Ensuring that our staff, resources, and curriculum reflect the diversity of our pupils so that every child feels a sense of belonging.
- Decolonising the Curriculum: Infusing our lessons with a broader perspective that includes the contributions and stories of Black and ethnic minority individuals across history, science, the arts, and literature.
- Empowering Communities: Drawing on the knowledge and experiences of parents, grandparents, and our wider community to enrich learning and celebrate cultural heritage.
How We Promote RJED in Our School
We are dedicated to embedding diversity throughout our curriculum and school life by:
- Highlighting inspirational Black and ethnic minority role models during lessons and assemblies, ensuring children see themselves reflected in the achievements of others.
- Celebrating key events like Black History Month (October), Languages Day (September), and International Day (June) to deepen children’s understanding of different cultures and traditions.
- Using our SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural Development - JIGSAW Programme) and topics in Religious Education to teach respect, empathy, and the value of equality.
- Encouraging classroom discussions that explore themes of fairness, justice, and inclusion in age-appropriate ways.
Working Together as a Community
Our school family extends beyond our pupils and staff—we invite parents and grandparents to share their stories, traditions, and talents with us. Together, we build a school culture that celebrates diversity and values the experiences of everyone.
By promoting RJED, we aim to inspire our children to grow into compassionate, respectful, and open-minded citizens, prepared to make the world a fairer place for all.
“Diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is about embracing one another’s uniqueness.” —Ola Joseph (author)