CARJ is an independent charity and a membership organisation established in 1984, achieving its 40th year milestone in 2024
CARJ works to support and empower people from diverse backgrounds and to give black and minority ethnic Catholics an effective voice in the Church and in the wider society. CARJ sees its role as that of engaging in the struggle for a more just and cohesive society.
From the beginning CARJ was seen as an organisation where ethnic minorities could find support and a voice, and where people of all backgrounds could work together for racial justice. It was understood that people of African, Asian and Caribbean backgrounds would have a key place in the leadership of the organisation. CARJ has recently celebrated its 40th Anniversary and released a Racial Justice Agenda for Change to provide a vision for the future.
CARJ works to support people from diverse backgrounds
- We work for the support and empowerment of black and minority ethnic Catholics and to give them an effective voice in the Church and in the wider society.
- We support people from diverse backgrounds in the struggle for a more just and cohesive society.
- We support Black and minority ethnic young people through a Schools Visiting Project.
CARJ works with Catholic Dioceses and Parishes
- To raise awareness of the issues of racial justice and community cohesion
- To promote reflection, discussion and action.
- To support diocesan and other local racial justice groups.
- To promote network and collaborate with individuals and groups with similar aims.
- To celebrate Racial Justice Sunday.
- To raise the work of CARJ in the church and the wider society.
Awareness raising and education for racial justice
- We campaign for awareness raising and education for racial justice to be an integral part of training in Seminaries, Colleges, Schools, Parishes and Catholic organisations.
- We sponsor and publish appropriate research.
- We prepare material (eg publications, audio visual resources, etc) on topical issues relating to racial justice and community cohesion.
- We publish spiritual, liturgical and theological material.
Promotion of spiritual growth and development
CARJ also :
- works to facilitate the integration of the spiritual, liturgical and theological with the moral and political struggle for justice and cohesion.
- Organises prayer, Mass, services and retreats.
- Develops ecumenical links and links with other faith communities.
Advocacy
It is our aim to respond to requests for advice and support from those who are victims of prejudice, discrimination and injustice.