29th August 2001
Retiring
priest hits out at 'racist' church
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One
of the first priests from an ethnic minority to be ordained
in the Church of England has spoken out against racism in
the church.
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As
he retires following nine years as the Rector of Braunstone, the Reverend
Rajinder Daniel feels the church is not doing enough to combat racism.
Reverend Daniel, who has been a long-standing campaigner for racial
equality and justice, has been very active in Braunstone - both in
community projects and improving church facilities.
Speaking to BBC Radio Leicester's Sandra Herbert, the reverend commented
that the Church of England needs to do more to reach out to ethnic
minorities and combat internal racism.
"The church is racist to the core and continues to be today.
I have been turned down by at least three parishes because they wanted
a white priest, says Reverend Daniel.
"I have been turned down for funerals, weddings and baptisms.
I just feel sorry for them, it's their loss. I think the church has
done very little. It's one of those things why people aren't going
back to the church for that reason - because they know in the end,
it is not going to be their home," added Reverend Daniel.
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