Minority Ethnic Anglican Concerns Group (DMEAC)

DMEAC is a task group of the Diocesan Council for Mission. Its main purpose is to raise awareness of racial justice issues, to initiate and promote appropriate development and change, and to affirm and celebrate difference.

In 2003 the diocese approved the recommendations of a Racial Justice Strategic Review and in 2006 published a diocesan resource: Towards and Inclusive Church: Supporting Inclusive Ministry. The review recommended, amongst other things :

1. All diocesan groups, councils and parishes do their best to involve BME participation, take steps to increase sensitivity and awareness of the needs and experiences of BME Anglicans, undertake regular diversity audits and make use of the resources and help available through the Diocese
2. That the Diocesan Synod has the opportunity to debate racial justice every three years and to have available a maintained database of the BME membership and participation in the life of the diocese and parishes
3. The Equal Opportunities Policy of the diocese and parishes is monitored
4. BME participation as speakers, leaders in worship etc is actively pursued in relation to diocesan and cathedral events
5. Through the DDO, Training Officers and others, encouragement and support is given to those theological colleges/training institutes which address multiculturalism and racial justice awareness
6. Racial Justice is promoted through awareness raising articles in Together, Ad Clerum and by other means

DMEAC also seeks to

• Update such diocesan resources and ensuretheir availability via the diocesan website and through the diocesan resources centre(s).
   
• Maintain close links with the Interfaith task group and share matters of mutual concern
   
• Maintain close links with the Diocesan Board of Education in regard to matters of racial justice, inclusion and equal opportunities in the Church of England schools throughout our diocese
   
• Encourage through the diocesan training team that racial justice and awareness skills and understanding are attended to in ministerial formation and training
   
• Promote vocations drawn from BME membership
   
• Develope a panel of advisers and facilitators who are available to guide parishes and groups over matters such as conducting a diversity audit, adopting good practice models of participation etc.
   
• Ensure that, wherever possible, effective partnerships are created to respond to racism and related issue.

DMEAC nominates from its membership someone to represent the diocese and liaise with the Church of England’s Committee for Minority Ethnic Concerns (CMEAC)

To read the Racial Justice Strategic Review click on the link below:

Racial Justice Strategic Review.