Nearly 90 people gathered at Methodist Central Hall last night for the ‘Northern Premiere’ of the MJR documentary, ‘After the Flood: the church, slavery and reconciliation’ (it would have been more but for an unfortunately timed local Covid burst). The film was positively received and the ensuing question and answer session with what was an amazing panel was wide-ranging, honest and challenging: of course, begging the question, what next? One answer on social media was: “Every church in Manchester should facilitate a viewing of this film and the ensuing conversations.” How? The lack of local church leaders present was noticeable . We need more church members, as well as senior leaders such as those on the panel to advocate for bringing this issue to the local churches, where the real individual pain of racial injustice is.
Other feedback on social media and directly to MJR so far has included:
- Great event – informative, horrifying, provoking and Robert, typically (and brilliantly) forthright and challenging: ‘Where’s the cheque?!’
- I learnt a lot – many things I didn’t know.
- It was a good event, saddened and surprised at how few church leaders attended.
- Exceptionally good. Powerful, well-crafted, stunning sound track. Heartrending.
- A massive relief to my brain and soul to hear racial justice, reparations and slavery framed in religious and theological language.
