An international church conference on racism has declared this to be a moment when Churches are invited by God to commit themselves to be instruments of change. “Christians” said the conference declaration, “have a common responsibility to work for racial justice and inclusion”.

The Revd Michael Jagessar, the United Reformed Church Secretary for Racial Justice, was one of the members of the World Council of Churches group that worked with partner Churches and groups in the Netherlands to organise 'Churches Against Racism' in Doorn, Utrecht. It issued its statement only a week after voters in Britain elected two members of the racist British National Party to the European Parliament, and just a day after attacks on Romanian migrants in Northern Ireland, which forced 20 families to take refuge in a church.

Michael Jagessar said: “This was a timely gathering. In fact, participants sensed that there are converging events that suggest we are witnessing a kairos moment of crisis and opportunity. Hence, the call to Churches to make a difference on behalf of all who face racism and related forms of discrimination. The United Reformed Church stands committed to this and I said, with others at this gathering, that “Enough is enough”.

The conference message was read in the presence of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands during a closing worship service. It said "We believe God is calling members of the church to action with and on behalf of the marginalised, the poor and the many who face exclusion."

Some 50 church leaders, activists and theologians attended. Participants looked at the problems faced by migrants and minority groups such as Dalits, people of African descent, Palestinian people and Roma.  Between 7 and 9 million Roma people in Europe face prejudice in many countries, and particularly in Romania. Since Romania joined the EU in 2007, thousands of Roma have moved west to richer European countries, where many live in squalid camps with no access to health services, education, basic sanitary facilities or jobs.

Conference statement http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/documents/wcc-programmes/unity-mission-evangelism-and-spirituality/just-and-inclusive-communities/racism/17-06-09-message-from-the-doorn-conference.html