Meeting Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin in Black History Month
On Thursday (15th October) around 20 of us were very privileged to join Bishop Rose Hudson -Wilkin for an inspiring 40 minute conversation on Zoom.
Jane Hinde arranged this very special event. “I first met Rose in about 2014 whilst she was Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons. She was hosting an event for her former congregation in Hackney and asked my husband Ian’s saxaphone quartet to provide entertainment during the evening. Her husband Ken was then the baritone player in the group. It was a remarkable evening where Bishop Rose shared her life in the House with her old community, ending the evening with prayers in the chapel. Ken is a passionate jazz player who would regularly travel to our flat to practice all the way from Wandsworth Prison where he was chaplain. Ken arranged for Bishop Rose to speak to us.”
Below are some of the reflections we took away from the conversation
Jeremy – “I was most struck by Bishop Rose’s infectious enthusiasm, energy, and optimism. As one who has been discriminated against, she has turned that negative energy into something positive, not being afraid to challenge and challenge and challenge, but out of love fuelled by indignation. She does not compromise, but allows people a way to change and do the right thing, one small step at a time.
I was struck by the relatively small number of people who chose to come. But we were a very diverse group on screen, and the effects of the meeting will, I hope, be profound.”
Angela – “Bishop Rose quoted John 3.16: “For God so loved the world…
She referred to Black History Month as being about world history, a shared history, regardless of ethnicity, skin colour, nationality.
She urged us to be generous and allow others the space to be who they are. We do not need to apologise for who we are, she said, but we should interrogate ourselves, our thoughts and actions. When we hear something offensive and say nothing, we acquiesce and collude. By having an awareness, we can make a difference where we are and at this time.’
Tari – UBUNTU
I am, because you are.
“Bishop Rose shared this Zulu phrase with us, to emphasize the need for equity in the diverse representations of our one identity in Christ.”
Lucy – “I captured that we should start by being aware to the issues; be intentional in our actions and leave space for others; be courageous and call out what you don’t agree with – not challenging is the same as passive acceptance; make sure justice is done – and – Go and be the People of God.”
Sarah – “I was particularly struck by the story Bishop Rose told about attending a job interview and waiting to be called in. The interviewer was expecting a female candidate and came out of the room to call in the next person for interview. However seeing only Bishop Rose and her husband waiting assumed the candidate had not arrived! I was shocked by the blatant ignorance shown by the interviewer in assuming that a high quality CV didn’t match the face of a black candidate. As a church I hope we can understand the destructive power of such deep-rooted unconscious bias, and work together to eradicate it.”
Sheena – “She said we shouldn’t think of our multicultural society as a melting pot, but rather a salad bowl, where each item is appreciated for its distinctiveness. A rich and diverse community is a strength to be valued and be grateful for.”