Photo courtesy of Friends, Families and Travellers charity (stand at Glastonbury Festival)
June is Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month.
For Jackie Bennett and Andrew Hill, the Diocese's two Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Advisers, it is an opportunity for the Church to recognise the faith, resilience and long presence of Gypsy Roma Traveller communities within our shared Christian story.
It is also a chance to honour the gifts they bring to parish and diocesan life.
Photo: Jackie Bennett is one of the Diocese's two Gypsy, Roma, Traveller Advisers. She was also recently licensed as a Licensed Lay Minister
As Advisers, Jackie and Andrew aim to build trust, understanding and dignity between families and the Church, ensuring that pastoral care, worship and key life events are offered in ways that respect culture, faith and family life.
They are keen to help clergy and parishes engage confidently with communities who are often deeply Christian yet historically underserved, while also challenging prejudice and supporting safeguarding practice through culturally informed guidance.
Photo: Andrew Hill is one of the Diocese's two Gypsy, Roma, Traveller Advisers. He is also a Licensed Lay Minister in Bexley Team Ministry
How the Advisers can help
For parishes and individual church members, the Advisers can offer practical guidance and signposting and help congregations move from uncertainty to genuine welcome.
They are also working on guides for parishes and schools around engagement and education.
For the wider community, they can promote peace, truth and social cohesion by addressing misinformation, easing local tensions and modelling constructive partnership between the communities, the Church, relevant charities and civic authorities.
To contact the Diocesan Advisers please phone:
- Jackie Bennett - 07850 329 003
- Andrew Hill - 07306 330 356
A Prayer for parish use
God of welcome and justice,
we give thanks for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities,
for their faith, their families, their stories
Bless our parishes with understanding, courage and compassion,
that we may honour one another as neighbours made in your image.
Strengthen all who work for trust and reconciliation,
and guide us in the ways of Christ,
that our churches may be places of safety, dignity and hope for all.
Amen