The Diocese of Rochester stands committed to a vision of the Church as a community where truth and compassion meet, and where our belonging in Christ transcends borders, politics, and culture.
We are living in an increasingly fearful and divided society. Fear breeds intolerance, which can descend into hatred and hostility, especially when stoked on social media.
The diocesan Called Together vision commits the Diocese of Rochester to embracing and celebrating the rich diversity within our churches and communities.
“As Christians, we are called to stand alongside the vulnerable, the marginalised and all those who feel unsafe. We must meet people’s fears, speak into them, and counsel peace, respect, and the dignity of all people.”
Bishop Jonathan Gibbs
A commitment to diversity and inclusion
The key objectives of the diocesan vision are to grow missional churches, with missional leaders and missional disciples, that are, among several other goals, younger and more diverse.
Additionally, each of the four workstreams of the vision are to be seen through the lens of growing safe and healthy cultures, because if we are truly seeking God's kingdom, then we must reflect its values of righteousness, peace, wholeness, and fullness of life for all.
Serving and equipping people across all ages, ethnicities, backgrounds and contexts, including urban, suburban, estates, rural, and new housing means:
- Modelling generous listening and respectful conversation, especially when views differ strongly, creating room for everyone to be heard.
- Speaking truth with humility, ensuring our witness reflects the love, justice, and compassion taught by Christ in all circumstances.
- Nurturing safe, welcoming spaces in our churches and community gatherings where each person feels valued, affirmed, and fully included, regardless of race, background, faith, identity, or perspective.
Find out more about the Called Together vision
Work underway
In 2025, Bishops Jonathan and Simon were pleased to announce the appointment of Zara Rawlinson as the Racial Justice Officer for the Diocese.
This new post, funded by the national church, is a vital part of helping support the Diocese’s outworking of From Lament to Action, a national report that has proposed a suite of changes to bring about a change of culture in the life of the Church of England.
With the help of the Diocese's Racial Justice Officer, a set of long-term, collaborative tools, resources and training are now actively being developed to help parish foster unity, respect, and compassionate dialogue over time.
This includes work to:
- Develop a support network for church leaders, role-holders and colleagues from UKME/GMH backgrounds across the Diocese
- Drawing together a Racial Justice Task Force open to any colleagues who are passionate about driving change in this area
- Creation of adaptable frameworks and training that all churches can use together
Responding to issues of identity and belonging
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." (Matthew 5:9)
Conversations about identity, national pride, race, faith, and belonging can be sensitive and complex.
In recent months, several groups have invoked faith or national symbols to define who belongs, or who does not, in public life.
While faith can inspire unity and courage, when combined with exclusionary messages it can also wound and divide.
To help with this immediate need, a resource has been developed to offer guidance and encouragement to churches seeking to respond to issues around racial justice, identity and belonging in their communities.
Called, Faith Identity and Belonging – A Rochester perspective (Nov 2025) - it has been developed by the Diocese's Racial Justice Officer, in collaboration with Bishop Jonathan, Bishop Simon, and other senior leaders in the Diocese.
It includes:
- An affirmation of the Diocese’s commitment to diversity and inclusion
- Ways that parishes and individuals can support each other
- Some simple steps that can be taken locally
- Theological reflection
- Links to helpful resources
Further support
Parishes and individuals are warmly invited to contact the Diocesan Racial Justice Officer for advice, resources, or to share feedback.
Please contact:
Zara Rawlinson on zara.rawlinson@rochester.anglican.org