The screening of MJR documentary ‘After the Flood: the church, slavery and reconciliation' at the University of Manchester on April 19 was followed by a Q&A session with an appreciative but questioning audience. The panel consisted of: ​

• Professor Robert Beckford, Director of the Institute of Climate and Social Justice, University of Winchester.
• Dr Elizabeth Henry, Racial Justice Advisor/Consultant and Activist, former National Advisor for Minority-Ethnic Anglican Concerns.
• Phyllis Thompson, Former Director of Education for the New Testament Church of God, England and Wales.
• Fr Azariah France-Williams, Rector of Ascension Church, Hulme.
• Dr Natalie Zaceck, Senior Lecturer, English and American Studies. Research areas: social and cultural history, race, slavery and abolition, gender and sexuality, material culture, the history of urbanism and the built environment.

Organiser Prof Dawn Edge commented: "My overall sense was that the questions from the attendees reflected a general desire to see real change, reconciliation and  reparations. Your responses were informative and provided practical solutions to a difficult discussion, reflecting  that whilst Manchester University has acknowledged the need to move beyond discussion,  the work must continue in earnest. I do hope that we  can continue to work with you to ensure that together  we can move this agenda forward."

The event was fully booked meaning some were turned away. This meant a number of 'no-shows' was a disappointment.

'After the Flood' continues to have an impact and generate discussion and reflection as it is screened in various places around the country. As we approach and pass milestones such as the 30th anniversary of the murder of Stephen Lawrence and the 75th anniversary of Windrush, the issues it raises remain important. If you would like to host a screening where you are please send MHR an email. If you would like to hire or purchase the film click here.

The biggest and most comprehensive survey of race inequality in the UK for more than a quarter of a century has found that more than a third of people from ethnic and religious minorities have experienced racially motivated physical or verbal abuse. The two-year research project declares that “Britain is not close to being a racially just society.” Its detailed evidence of discrimination and unfairness directly challenges the findings of the government-commissioned Sewell report on racial disparities of 2021, agreeing with many at the time who argued it downplayed the existence and impact of structural and institutional racism in the UK.

The study was led by Nissa Finney, professor of human geography at the University of St Andrews, who said it showed racism was “part of the daily lives” of people from ethnic minorities. Halima Begum, chief executive of the race equality thinktank the Runnymede Trust, said:  “Sadly, few ethnic minority Britons will be surprised by the findings."

Commenting on the report on Channel 4 News, Professor Jason Ardey, Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, said: "There are no immediate shocks or surprises. In some respects it's more of the same. It reflects the glacial change that's transpired in the last twenty or thirty years in relation to race, equality and mobilising greater race equality in the UK. What we are seeing is that racism is a systemic and institutional problem. It's ability to re-invent itself and pivot to the prevailing inequalities that exist is in some respects quite impressive in a strange way."

The research, produced by the Centre on the Dynamics of Ethnicity at Manchester University, will be published this week in a book Racism and Ethnic Inequality in a Time of Crisis. It claims to be the most extensive survey of racial inequalities since 1997. Read more here.

King Charles has given his support for research into the monarchy's links with the slave trade for the first time as an American historian unearthed a a ledger which reveals his predecessor King William III was given shares in the Royal African Company - transatlantic slaving firm - by Bristolian slave trader Edward Colston in 1689. Buckingham Palace said “This is an issue that His Majesty takes profoundly seriously. As His Majesty told the Commonwealth heads of government reception in Rwanda last year: ‘I cannot describe the depths of my personal sorrow at the suffering of so many, as I continue to deepen my own understanding of slavery’s enduring impact.’" The document, published by The Guardian was found in a royal archive by Virginia-based historian Dr Brooke Newman. Dr Newman's research is being supported through access to the royal collection and the royal archives

MJR welcomes this bringing of another piece of hidden shameful history into the light and looks forward to the results of the research. Read more in this Guardian article, and in this Daily Mail article (which states King Charles was "forced to support probe into royal family's slavery links".)

A special course, based on the MJR film ‘After the Flood: the church, slavery and reconciliation' will be a part of the summer term at Manchester Bible School, based at our partner Nazarene Theological College. The course will take place over 4 Monday evenings from June 12 to July 3, 7:30-9:30pm.

• June 12: Screening of After the Flood. followed by refreshments (facilitated by MBS/NTC and Beatrice Smith, MJR)
• June 19: Reflection session led by Dr Clara Rushbrook (Luther King House)
• June 26: Informal Q&A and discussion on film themes – Part 1. Led by Beatrice Smith (Churches Together in England, Spring Harvest & MJR Trustee) .
• July 3: Informal Q&A and discussion on film themes – Part 2: ’So what?' led by Ven Karen Lund (Archdeacon of Manchester & MJR Trustee).

Cost is £25 unwaged; £35 waged. The film screening on June 12 is open to all and will cost £5. More info and booking will be available shortly on the Manchester Bible School website.