THEOLOGICAL colleges are not doing enough for black and ethnic minority students, according to a survey to be published this week.
The report Equal Partners? from the ecumenical Council of Churches for Britain and Ireland (CCBI) challenges theological institutions to improve their record on racial justice, both in terms of their own admission policies and the content of the courses they offer.
It suggests that there is "an absence of strategy aimed at promoting awareness of racial issues and preparing students for ministry in contemporary multicultural Britain".
The survey, carried out amongst 70 colleges of all denominations throughout the country, recommends that theological training boards should review the ethnic make-up of student bodies, and should look specifically at admission procedures and entry criteria for black and ethnic minority people.
It also recommends that colleges review the content of their courses "with a view to including the contribution of black scholars", and suggests that placements should offer students "experiences of working within culturally diverse communities".
A day consultation to discuss the findings of the report is being jointly organised by the Simon of Cyrene Theological Institute, the Centre for Black and White Christian Partnership at Selly Oak Colleges in Birmingham, and the newly-formed Community and Race Relations Unit of the Council of Churches for Britain and Ireland (CCBI).
The consultation is to take place in the United Reformed Church in Geraldine Road, London on July 6, beginning at 10.45am.
Speakers will include Bishop Patrick Kalilombe, Canon Brian Hicks, and Revd Sonia Hicks.