Barnet Windrush Celebration - a reflection

 As a relative newcomer in this Borough I’m glad to call home, this is a personal reflection rooted in my own Anglican tradition, which I hope might resonate. 

Growing up in the late 70s and early 80s, one of the most familiar, entertaining and joyous faces I saw on TV was that of Floella Benjamin.  I am one of what she calls her ‘Play School Babies’. 

Back then, I didn’t know that she was part of the Windrush generation. She was simply part of my cultural landscape - not only as a presenter from my childhood but as an advocate and politician of my adulthood. She reminds us that there is much to celebrate and give thanks for in the lives of those who may not be famous but who have committed to and shaped our communities for the better.

However, as the injustices of the Windrush scandal unfolded, I have had to learn through the lens of novels, conversations and documentaries some uncomfortable truths: that many, when they arrived at churches of my own tradition expecting a welcome rooted in share faith,  experienced instead racism and rejection. 

In response to that legacy, the Church of England has committed to a process of moving from lament and repentance to action. Paul Boateng, the Chair of our Racial Justice Commission has said: We will wash your feet, yes, but sometimes we will hold your feet to the fire’.

Washing feet and holding feet to the fire are both acts of love. Yes, I am blessed, challenged and inspired by the diversity of my own congregations week by week. Yes, we receive gifts from each other and share the abundant and transforming love of God revealed to us in Christ Jesus. 

But there is more to do in giving all people a voice at the table, a way of shaping the future. It means for us naming the flows of power or bias; binding up wounds, seeing the bodies in our corporate body; releasing creativity and difference for a common goal. 

Today matters, because it is about telling a richer and more honest story about our histories and cultures, the heritage we bring, the legacies we forge; being convinced that we are stronger communities together - more hospitable, dynamic, vibrant, compassionate. 

Back in May, I watched as Baroness Benjamin presented the Sovereign’s Sceptre to the King. It’s also known as the Rod of Equity and Mercy. On top of that gold rod is an enamelled dove - its wings outstretched - representing the Holy Spirit. This Spirit is God’s breath at work in us - the advocate, comforter, guide; an inspiration and challenge; 

Reflecting on that moment, Floella said: ‘Spirituality, equity and mercy. It is very symbolic to me. It represents everything I stand for and it puts out a clear message that diversity and inclusion are being embraced.’

That is an inspiring vision as we celebrate the Windrush generation in this Borough. Knowing we all have a responsibility to listen to the stories and to do our bit to inspire others - choosing to embrace equity and mercy, diversity and inclusion across our faith traditions and spiritual lives - in Barnet and beyond. That matters today more than ever. 

Almighty and everlasting God, we praise you for the gift and blessing of the Windrush generation. We thank you for their service to this country in so many essential roles and for all they have given for the building up of our national life. Enrich our understanding, deepen our appreciation for one another, banish ignorance, prejudice and fear and knit us together by the power o your Spirit who is the bond of love, though Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

© Julie Gittoes 2023

Together, we are Barnet

The text of words spoken at the Mayor's Civic Service - marking the coronation and celebrating the diversity of communities across the London Borough of Barnet.

Photo from Proclamation - image and credit here

The Worshipful, The Mayor of the London Borough of Barnet, Cllr Alison Moore.  

His Majesty’s Representative Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Barnet,  Martin Russell. 

Councillors, faith leaders and community representatives, all who’ve gathered from across Barnet today.

The words of our opening anthem by Bruckner, Locus iste, a Deus factus est are translated as: this place is made by God.   

The text continues inaestimabile sacramentum; irreprehensibilis est translated less literally as a place that is made holy - where loving-kindness, mercy, justice, compassion are made known.

That sounds like an audacious claim - but one which resonates across faith traditions trusting in the generosity and freedom of a creator God; a claim that invites  human beings to use their freedom and curiosity to bring joy, comfort and hope. 

It’s a claim that may resonate across other forms of life and thought - noticing when love is made visible not only in this quod but in our Borough.

Locus iste, this place, made holy: blessed, enriched, strengthened, united, fun, creative, hospitable. 

At the time of his accession, King Charles talked about a moment of thanksgiving, comfort and hope, and in particular a renewed commitment to bring the margins to the centre.    

Such a renewed commitment was expressed in Archbishop Justin’s words at the Coronation: ‘service’ he said ‘is love in action’. 

The diversity of our Borough has been, is and will be drawn together when we put love into action. It shapes the creative arts and inspires care for the environment. 

Active love embraces the lonely, anxious and vulnerable; the dreamers, activists and visionaries. Such love in action strengthens bonds across different generations, class, gender, sexuality, race, politics, language. 

Service is love in action: Together we are Barnet when we give our lives for others; when we know others will be there for us when we cannot bear the weight alone. 

For over 40 years, His Majesty’s charitable Trust and Foundation drew others into that work in support of education, housing, well-being, and social inclusion. By supporting individuals and communities, we too can make a pledge: to bring the margins to the centre, so that harmony, justice and equity might flourish.

Barnet Together is the conviction and commitment that our society might be strengthened through the choices we make and action we commit to. Our diversity can bind us together in love that serves and hope that becomes reality. 

Today, as we sing God save the King, may we also ask a blessing on the people of this Borough. That Barnet may indeed be  inaestimabile sacramentum: blessed in its diversity.

© Julie Gittoes 2023

Prayer for the King’s Majesty: O Lord our heavenly Father, high and mighty, King of kings, Lord of lords, the only Ruler of princes, who dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers upon earth; most heartily we beseech thee with thy favour to behold our most gracious Sovereign Lord, King Charles; and so replenish him with the grace of thy Holy Spirit, that he may alway incline to thy will, and walk in thy way: endure him plenteously with heavenly gifts; grant him in health and wealth long to live; strengthen  him that he may vanquish and overcome his enemies; and finally, after this life, he may attain everlasting joy and felicity through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

And the Royal Family: Almighty God the fount of all goodness, we humbly beseech thee to bless Camilla the Queen, William Prince of Wales, the Princess of Wales, and the Royal Family. Endue them with thy Holy Spirit; enrich them with thy heavenly grace; prosper them with all happiness; and bring them to thine everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Prayer for the Mayor and the Borough of Barnet:  Send forth, O Lord our God, your Spirit of Wisdom and Right Counsel to fill the hearts and minds of our Mayor, Councillors and Officers of this Borough of Barnet. Strengthen them in the pursuit of what is just, merciful, good and joyous for the sake of our communities.  May their service be love in action. Amen.

Blessing: The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you and give you his peace. Amen.