A special service of the Cathedral Eucharist to mark Racial Justice Sunday, was held at Wells Cathedral. The Revd Canon Sonia Barron, former Co-chair of the Church of England’s Anti-Racism Taskforce and member of the Archbishops Commission for Racial Justice was the guest preacher. Sonia, invited us all to reflect on what racial justice might look like in our diocese, she said, "On this Racial Justice Sunday Christians all across the country are marking this occasion and I invite you to reflect on how you might help to make our world VERY good again particularly when it comes to racial justice. Making it a place where everyone belongs; where everyone is loved, valued and affirmed for who they are, and not what they look like or have to offer, remembering we are brothers and sisters of one ‘race’: the human race.
"Committed Christian believers are called to follow Christ and live his way, setting an example and giving a lead for others to follow which our gospel reading puts as seeking the kingdom of God first. What does the kingdom of God look like? What does that actually look like in reality, in the diocese of Bath and Wells?"
And encouraged us all to make a difference, "We need to trust that through our words and actions we can make a difference – we can stand up for those who are not recognised as being part of God’s VERY GOOD creation."
Read Revd Cannon Sonia Barron's full address
Racial Justice Sunday is marked by churches across the country on the second Sunday of February each year as an opportunity to focus on racial equality and justice in both church and society. This year’s theme was ‘Love Your Neighbour’ and invited us to consider what it means to love others.
Speaking about the theme Richard Reddie, Director of Justice and Inclusion, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland said, “We discuss how the Bible provides a blueprint for a world where everyone belongs; where everyone is loved, valued and affirmed for who they are, and not what they look like or have to offer.”
The service at Wells Cathedral forms part of the Resistance, Racial Justice and Reconciliation exhibition and series of events. The next event will be on Wednesday 25 February 2026, 7pm–9pm (Doors open from 6.30pm to view the exhibition), Wells Cathedral Education Room
Everyone is invited to join an evening exploring the legacy of Transatlantic Slavery and examples of reparative action in both the UK and the Caribbean. The event includes a Q&A session and talks, notably “From Shame to Taking Action on Reparative Justice” by John Dower, Reparations Campaigner and Cofounder of Heirs of Slavery.