Faith, Empire and Healing

Faith, Empire and Healing is an exploration into the complex relationship between faith, the Church and Britain’s colonial past, while considering how that history continues to influence identity, belonging and community life today.

Bringing together history, theology, storytelling and creative participation, the event creates space for open conversation about the experiences and contributions of African and Caribbean communities, and the ways in which faith institutions have shaped, and continue to respond to, these histories.

The event features Professor Anthony G. Reddie, one of Britain’s leading voices in Black theology, whose work explores the intersections of theology, race, culture and social justice. Through an open and accessible discussion, participants will consider the role of the Church of England within Britain’s imperial history and examine how the legacies of empire continue to shape contemporary experiences of faith, identity and belonging.

The conversation provides a setting for questions and reflection, exploring themes including colonialism, Christianity, representation, racial justice, memory and the responsibilities of institutions when engaging with difficult aspects of their history.

Following the discussion, visitors will take part in a creative workshop centred on the Tree of Life, a living installation created through the contributions of its audiences. Participants will be invited to add their own thoughts, reflections and responses, creating a collective artwork that brings individual voices together.

As the Tree of Life grows within Leicester Cathedral and develops as part of the wider exhibition, it becomes a record of shared reflection that connects personal experiences with broader histories of faith, migration, community and cultural identity.