In terms of recommendations, we have sought to represent the interests of BAMEs in general, as well as the interests of East-Asians more specifically. The points are listed in no particular order. Because we all contributed, the language/tone varies from point-to-point, but we are all in general agreement with each point.

Participation (inc. Appointments) 

Suggested action(s):

• All senior posts to have ME or global majority candidates included on any short-lists.
• When considering ME or global majority participation, intentional consideration ought to be given to those of East-Asian heritage. Otherwise, it is all too easy for East-Asians to get absorbed by the overarching term ‘BAME’ and overlooked as a result.
• Interview panels to liaise with AMEN (or equivalent organisation) during recruiting process to safeguard, effective immediately.
• At least one BAME canon (Incl. honorary canon) in every Cathedral by 2025.
• At least 15% of diocesan staff to be of ME or global majority background by 2025: 15% is roughly the % of UK-wide BAME population, and considerably lower than the % of churchgoers who are BAME.

Education

Suggested action(s): 

• At least one lecture/seminar on East Asian Theology to be included in IME1 training (e.g., included with liberation/postcolonial theologies, mission).
• East-Asian concerns to be represented in modules engaging with racism (given the rising cases of Sinophobia and COVID-related discrimination).
• East-Asian clergy invited to be Anglican Story, Ethos & Practice (ASEP) leaders in T.I.’s.
• Church History and Anglican studies need to have a far greater emphasis on non-European church history (especially studies on the impact of colonialism and missionary activity in non-European continents) and for the development of the global Anglican Communion forming a greater part of the study of Anglicanism.
• Ordinands to have some practical exposure to a global majority worshipping context, as part of their spiritual formation under IME1.
• Appreciation and therefore support given to BAME ordinands, who when writing theological reflections, have to re-live traumatizing situations/events. Also, for those marking such pieces to have the necessary sensitivity to not cause further trauma.

Training and mentoring 

Suggested action(s): 

• DDO’s to be aware of and draw from East-Asian clergy to help East-Asian ordination candidates through the discernment process.
• T.I.’s to receive compulsory training and literature on how to train a BAME curate.
• Similarly, T.I.’s to receive compulsory training in how to engage with minority groups and/or other faiths.
• Pastoral provision for East-Asian ordinands and curates who encounter racism, including from DDOs and T.I.s.
• Unconscious-bias training made compulsory for all senior staff, clergy, interviewing panels (synod, church wardens, BAPS etc)

Young people 

Suggested action(s):

• Diocese to annually monitor changing local demographics among young people, including children and adults 18-40 as part of their mission strategy. This is especially important in cities with large university populations.
• Any national initiatives aimed at young people, to intentionally seek to include youth of East-Asian heritage.
• The CofE Youth Council or associated bodies to connect ME youth with other ME youth. Isolation is a major issue for some groups. 

Governance & Structures 

Suggested action(s): 

• Racism made a safeguarding issue. 
• All diocese house senior staff teams to have a ME or global majority member.

Other

Suggested action(s):

• Whether it be included under unconscious bias training, or other methods, cultural intelligence needs to be developed across the board, so that East-Asians do not get conflated with other races and overlooked as a result.
• A recognition of the lack of East-Asian representation at all levels in the CofE.