The Parochial Church Council of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, Mount Bures has adopted the following statement, based on the statement of the Church of England Diocese of Chelmsford.

 

Theological Basis

We believe that it is a fundamental Christian understanding to hold that all human beings are created in the image of God, that all are valued equally by God and share equally in God's love. We believe that God longs for our well-being and fulfilment, and that we are all equally responsible to God for the way we treat each other.

 

We are aware that in the Christian community 'there is no such thing as Jew and Greek, slave and freeman, male and female; for you are all one person in Christ Jesus' (Galatians 3:28), and that in St John's vision there is 'a vast throng, which no one could count, from every nation, of all tribes, peoples and languages, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb' (Revelation 7:9).

 

In the light of this Christian affirmation, and in recognition of our Lord's commandment that we should love our neighbours as ourselves, we declare our conviction that unfair discrimination between people is an affront to the purposes of God, and is morally indefensible.

 

A Pluralistic Society

We recognise that Britain is a pluralistic society, diverse in race, culture, creed and interests. We are aware that individuals and groups of people are sometimes discriminated against, both directly and indirectly, in unjustifiable ways.

 

As a result, we welcome the legislation which aims to put this right, including: the Equal Pay Act 1970, the Equal Pay (Amendment) Regulations 1983, the Sex Discrimination Acts 1975 and 1986, the Race Relations Act 1976, the Disabled Persons (Employment) Acts 1944 and 1958, the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Exceptions) Order 1975 and the Exceptions (Amendment No.2) Order 1986, and relevant legislation enacted subsequent to adoption of this Policy.

 

Statement of Intent

We declare that it is our intention to ensure that the services and benefits of our organization, recruitment, selection, training, consideration for promotion and general treatment for those who work within our organisation, employed or as Volunteers, or attend any of our events, are available to all without unfair discrimination, and to ensure that no-one is disadvantaged in any of these matters by conditions or requirements that cannot be shown to be justifiable. We will work to ensure that there is no discrimination on grounds of race, colour, nationality - including citizenship - or ethnic or national origins, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation or married or single status, where any of these cannot be shown to be a requirement of the job or office concerned.

 

Positive Action

It is also our intention to take positive action to ensure equality of opportunity and of treatment on the matters specified above throughout our sphere of influence, in so far as it lies within our power. We will monitor our progress in implementing this Policy and produce a regular report on it.

 

Implementation

We look to all our staff, Parochial Church Council, Committees and membership to abide by and to promote this Policy. Any grievance, or any other matter relating to it, should be taken up, in the first instance, with the Incumbent of the Parish or the Secretary of the Parochial Church Council.