On Friday 28 March, Being Built Together: Minority Ethnic Vocations – The Circle of Discipleship brought together diverse voices from across the South West and beyond to nurture, support, and champion UK Minority Ethnic (UKME) and Global Majority Heritage (GMH) vocations and discipleship.
The event was initiated by the Revd Polly Falconer, Racial Justice Adviser for the Diocese of Oxford, in partnership with Jillian Downing, her counterpart in the Diocese of Bristol. It was funded through the Church of England's Racial Justice Unit’s Being Built Together Project. As the first conference of its kind in the South West region, it brought together around 50 attendees, including representatives from Diocesan Support Services, Theological Education Institutions (TEIs), and clergy from multiple dioceses.
Charnelle Stylianides, our Director of People, attended the event and reflected on its significance:
“The conference was a tangible reminder that God has gifted the church with diversity and, throughout the day, we were challenged to reflect on vocations pathways with creativity to ensure that they are truly inclusive. The call I felt most deeply was to flatten the speed bumps that prejudice creates in the journeys of our UKME/GMH clergy through courageous advocacy and leadership.
“It was inspiring to learn from change-makers across the South West region about the green shoots of hope that their passion, tenacity and faith is creating in marginalised communities. I am grateful to the conference organisers (Polly Falconer, Racial Justice Adviser for the Diocese of Oxford and Jillian Downing, Racial Justice Adviser for the Diocese of Bristol) for having curated such a Spirit-filled event.”
Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops, attendees engaged in energised conversations and shared practical insights and resources. A united desire to nurture UKME/GMH vocations within the Church of England was evident throughout the day. Youth discipleship was a strong theme, recognising that God's call can be heard at any age. Speakers challenged us to consider how we create clear and supportive pathways for those discerning their calling, ensuring they are met with encouragement rather than barriers.
Hassan Olasesan Olanipekun, Children, Youth and Families Worker at St Paul’s Slough, commented:
“The conference was engaging and informative, with amazing speakers! The focus on youth discipleship and ministry experience for young people was inspiring, and I appreciated the intentionality of the National Church in engaging the next generation.
“As a CYP Minister, I was inspired and challenged to think about youth discipleship with a sense of purpose and urgency, carefully mapping out transition pathways for children and young people to remain an active part of church life. The conference's emphasis on being proactive and committed resonated with me. I believe it is essential for the Church to be intentional in its approach to youth discipleship.”
The conference offered a hopeful, practical, and replicable model of what can happen when intentional action is taken. It highlighted the need for patient, authentic faith conversations, improved access to youth ministry resources, and meaningful opportunities for inclusion, working together to reflect the full Body of Christ and build a Church where every person feels seen, supported, and truly welcome.
If you are inspired by the work we are doing and would like to explore how it could be applied in your own context, please contact the Revd Polly Falconer, Racial Justice Adviser or find out more about Racial Justice on our website.