its organisation.

And to this end it has prepared a report complete with recommendations which it has begun to put in place.

Racism committee chairman the Rev. Robert Thacker said: "We realised we are part of a racist society and therefore we are affected by it. We cannot say we are not tainted by racism.

"While the Anglican Church is the largest institution in Bermuda providing common ground for members of every racial, cultural, national and political group, it does not effectively affirm and celebrate this great diversity.'' The church's governing body began looking closely at racism in 1994 and after a pair of workshops produced the following statement: "We, the Synod of the Anglican Church of Bermuda, affirm the rich and challenging cultural and racial diversity of our church.

"We commit ourselves to encourage and strengthen this richness in all facets of our corporate and personal life, following the example of Jesus.'' A report on the subject was presented to the Synod on November 18, 1995.

However it was in the stages of electing a new Bishop and this took precedence, said Mr. Thacker.

It was resubmitted on February 15 of this year and approved in principle.

The report was then sent to all the clergy and vestries for consideration.

They must report back to the Synod within 90 days with their feedback.

Mr. Thacker said: "While the committee found no indication of an overt conspiracy to perpetuate the power and influence of whites over blacks, institutional racism is unconsciously perpetuated and enabled both in the Synod and in parishes by maintaining traditional ways of doing things -- relying on the tried and true pool of workers and a reluctance to communicate openly and directly with one another on issues of race.'' The report was one of three goals set by the Synod, continued Mr. Thacker.

The other two were to develop and conduct racism workshops for vestries and devise a way to recognise the pain of the historical experience of racism in the Anglican Church.

The latter has yet to be completed but is being looked at while the workshops have been held.

Recommendations already in process include: Reorganisation and simplification of the Synod's committee structure with clear terms of reference and accountability; A review of the Constitution and Canons committee to ensure equal footing for all and to make canonical functioning clear and understandable; Adoption of a limited term of service of committee chairpersons; and Reflecting the church's diversity through the diversity of people in leadership positions.

Other recommendations yet to be acted upon include discovering why a congregation's racial mix may not reflect that of the parish and correcting that imbalance.

There is also need for the creation of a suitable way to recognise past racial failures and provide suitable opportunities to live up to the best potential as a diverse community through the whole church and its individual members.

RACISM DISCRIMINATION DIS