The Church of England in the West Midlands has appointed a new racial justice director.

Revd Dr Evie Vernon O'Brien will take up her role in July with six dioceses - Birmingham, Coventry, Gloucester, Hereford, Lichfield, and Worcester.

It is the first collaborative project of its kind in the Church of England.

Revd O'Brien will spearhead a team of people who will support each diocese to promote racial justice more effectively while examining culture, practices and policies to ensure fundamental principles of equality, diversity and inclusion continue to exist.

She said: "Jesus calls his followers to join him in preaching the good news to the poor, and in bringing liberation to the oppressed.

"I believe that the coming together of these six dioceses to set up a unit to concentrate on racial justice is a powerful manifestation of our commitment to our mission as Jesus' disciples.”

Since 2021 and the launch of From Lament to Action, conversations and networks have grown across the West Midlands region about how to respond and confront racism in the church and wider society.

These engaged dialogues led to a joint petition to the national church for funds.

Revd O'Brien was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

She was ordained as a deaconess in the church in the Province of the West Indies in 1980. 

After moving to the UK, she was appointed director of the Selly Oak Centre for Mission Studies and went on to be a theological adviser at USPG, an Anglican mission agency.

She also worked with CAPS, Catholic AIDS Prevention and Support.

Revd O'Brien continues to be involved in cross-cultural justice issues, and has been a vice-chair of Inclusive Church since July 2023.