Norwich Cathedral has celebrated Black History Month for the first time. The special service was held during the Choral Evensong on Sunday, October 20. The event started with a procession of African drumming by the Norfolk-based International Music Group.
The Norwich Cathedral Chamber Choir led the Choral Evensong, performing music and compositions by African heritage composers. The special service began with a procession of African drumming by the International Music Group (Image: Bill Smith/Diocese of Norwich) Reverend Cheryl Ramballi, a member of the Racial Justice Action Group in the Diocese of Norwich and curate at St Andrew's Church in Felmingham, read the first lesson from Joshua 14. The Power and Beauty Gospel Band performed a medley of three worship songs, led by Ike and Linda Nnene.
Reverend Canon Karlene Kerr, the Bishop’s Adviser on ‘From Lament to Action’ and the Racial Justice Officer for the Diocese of Norwich, delivered the sermon. Norwich Cathedral celebrates Black History Month for first time (Image: Bill Smith/Diocese of Norwich) She said: “Each of us has to decide for ourselves how we can best love and serve Christ. "To choose to see in the other person irrespective of their skin colour or ethnicity, God’s image – and therefore worthy of being treated with respect, dignity, compassion, kindness.
" The prayers were read by Colin Tomlin, a member of the Racial Justice Action Group for the Diocese of Norwich, his wife Judy Lynch-Tomlin, and Becca D.