A conference seeking to deepen the relationship between Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and the Church of England has called for more action to tackle very high levels of discrimination, racism and stereotyping faced by members of the community.
The Sanctuary Roads conference held in Salisbury Cathedral and Sarum College on Wednesday was organised by the Diocese of Salisbury and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Friendly Churches, an ecumenical organisation made up of Christian Romany Gypsies, Irish Travellers and Roma. Many of the delegates were community members.
In 2019, the General Synod of the Church of England called for the Church to publicly speak out against racism aimed at Gypsy Roma Traveller groups, appoint Chaplains and make land available for Traveller sites.
Rev Canon Jonathan Herbert, the diocesan chaplain to the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, said: “This conference is a chance for the church to see where it has made progress and where it has so far failed to act against that motion, and be inspired to do more to challenge racism, becoming an agent of reconciliation between settled and formerly nomadic communities.
“The wider church needs to wake up to the extreme inequalities experienced by Gypsies and Travellers and welcome them to be part of a church that seeks to stand and act with those who are marginalised. We hope this may be a turning point in an encouragement to churches to realise the blessings that come when they begin to engage with the rich cultural diversity and deeply held Christian faith of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.”
The conference opened with a talk from Rev Dr Steven Horne, whose father was a Romany Gypsy.
He recalled the story of Moses and the journey into the Promised Land, saying: “Our promised land is a vision of equality: a society where Gypsies, Travellers and Roma walk without 
fear; where schools celebrate our language and traditions; where housing is secure; where our children grow up proud. This promise may seem distant. This promise may, because of the mistreatment we’ve experienced, seem utopian. But the promise itself is a powerful spark that fuels our steps today.
“May we too, one day stand as a free people, living in dignity and celebrating the gifts God has given us."
The Bishop of Salisbury, Rt Rev Stephen Lake, welcomed community members and those working with them, saying he was committed to acting upon the commitment shown by the diocese over many years in its work and ministry to Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.
“In 2019, the General Synod of the Church of England called for the Church to publicly speak out against racism aimed at Gypsy, Roma and Traveller groups, appoint chaplains in every diocese and make land available for Traveller sites. 
“May today be a step on the road to challenging the racism in church and society. May it be a catalyst for helping make church land available for temporary stopping places and permanent sites, and for the appointment of chaplaincy teams around the country.
“As long ago as 1881, Salisbury Diocese had an itinerant missioner to van dwellers. I promise that I will take the commitment this diocese has shown to Gypsies, Roma and Travellers into all of the places I go, because of you; because of the commitment this diocese has made over the years.”
Betty Smith-Billington, of the Dorset based charity Kushti Bok which advocates for the community, said: “As a Romany Gypsy woman I am pleased to see the Church taking a lead in partnering with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities to stand against the racism and prejudice my community has faced for centuries. Often when it comes to racial justice, my community have been the forgotten people, incurring stricter punishment than their non-Gypsy counterparts. May the voices of Gypsy, Roma and Traveler peoples be heard and concrete actions taken to bring us racial justice.”