David Isiorho

Faith in Unions is a personal account, representing a critique of Whiteness and Black marginality in the Faith Workers Trade Union. In short, it is a Black theology critique of the way Muslim and Hindu faith workers have been treated in the British Labour movement. This book clearly has things to say about discriminatory practices, which puts the discussion about Englishness and Britishness into a wider context. I am suggesting a political agenda associated with English ethnicity as the mode of involvement to explain policies that are likely to result in racialised religious exclusion. Faith in Unions gives focus to Muslim and Hindu workplace groupings within the Faith Workers Branch and the opposition to their formation from Anglican and Methodist Christian members. I am concerned with the struggle for faith recognition within a discriminatory and institutionally racist union structure. This book offers an explicit exploration of what I mean by the racialised other in the context of the British Labour movement. In this we need to understand the ways historical Christianity has defined Black identities. My conclusion hopefully will start a wider discussion of Englishness and English exclusivity.

Faith in Unions is a personal account, representing a critique of Whiteness and Black marginality in the Faith Workers Trade Union. In short, it is a Black theology critique of the way Muslim and Hindu faith workers have been treated in the British Labour movement. This book clearly has things to say about discriminatory practices, which puts the discussion about Englishness and Britishness into a wider context. I am suggesting a political agenda associated with English ethnicity as the mode of involvement to explain policies that are likely to result in racialised religious exclusion. Faith in Unions gives focus to Muslim and Hindu workplace groupings within the Faith Workers Branch and the opposition to their formation from Anglican and Methodist Christian members. I am concerned with the struggle for faith recognition within a discriminatory and institutionally racist union structure. This book offers an explicit exploration of what I mean by ""the racialised other"" in the context of the British Labour movement. In this we need to understand the ways historical Christianity has defined Black identities. My conclusion hopefully will start a wider discussion of Englishness and English exclusivity.

Mission, Anguish, and Defiance documents how David Isiorho has explored his ministry as a black priest in the Church of England using his formidable intellect, which reveals the ingrained prejudices and lack of genuine love from the structures of that august institution. He draws on his PhD as a platform to conduct this examination, not seeking pity but writing prophetically from a deep loyalty to the Church. He has meticulously interviewed a wide range of research participants, giving them a voice to join with his own. He uncovers evidence of vast, painful, and redundant suffering in this group of black colleagues. This book is about hurt and it may be perceived as hurtful, certainly by those who are called to account. Isiorho's bravery comes through clearly, as does his hopeful fidelity to the God and the Church that he loves. Throughout he does not seek to be vindictive; rather, he searches to show the salvific and redeeming love of Christ which, together with the energizing Holy Spirit, can see real reform and profound healing. That is his prayer in this moving and challenging piece.