The Black Light Course will run again this autumn, starting on 29th September.  You can check out the programme and speakers at the course website, and also book your tickets. blacklightcourse.uk

The course was first run in London in the 1990s as an opportunity for Black Christians to dig deeper into their history and think about contemporary challenges and opportunities, and for White Christians to learn more about the history, spirituality and faith of Black Christians and churches. Black and White presenters and participants shared in a rich learning experience. The Black Light course has been revised and updated and was run in 2021 and 2022.  The next course starts in September 2022.

What’s it about?
It explores the presence and contributions of black people in the Bible, in church history and in Britain today. It celebrates the remarkable growth of the church in Africa and the exciting ‘reverse mission’ impact on Europe. It does not shy away from looking at the legacies of Christendom and colonialism, but it invites creativity and courage in seizing the opportunities that are emerging.

Is it political?
No more than Jesus himself was political in the things he said and did, the way he challenged the status quo, his announcement of a new politics, which he called ‘the kingdom of God.’

Is it guilt-inducing?
No, that’s not the aim, but it is challenging, inviting us to recover lost aspects of our histories, to reflect on our attitudes and relationships, and to ask what it means to follow Jesus in a multi-ethnic society.

Who is it for?
Anyone interested in these topics, but especially for church leaders, youth leaders, mission leaders – actually, anyone interested in evangelism, justice, healthy churches and peaceful communities.

What’s the agenda? There is no hidden agenda, but one of our hopes is that the course will not only inform but inspire, challenge and equip, and result in new forms of partnership between black and white Christians and churches in seeking the kingdom of God in our nation. That’s the focus of the final session in the course.