Racial Justice Advocacy Forum statement on the death of Professor Jason Arday

Members of the Racial Justice Advocacy Forum are deeply saddened by the death of Professor Jason Arday. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and all who knew and loved him. We respect his family’s request for privacy as they grieve.

In the period before his death, Professor Arday was subjected to intense public scrutiny, personal criticism and widespread commentary, including on social media. Legitimate questions should always be considered fairly and carefully, but scrutiny must be proportionate and must never become harassment, dehumanisation or the denial of a person’s dignity.

The events surrounding the final weeks of Professor Arday’s life raise serious questions about media responsibility, the character of public discourse, institutional care and the disproportionate and racialised pressures that can be experienced by Black and Brown people in public life.

As churches and Christian organisations, we must not remain silent in the face of racism, public shaming or indifference to human suffering. Our faith calls us to stand alongside those who are wounded, to challenge systems and patterns of behaviour that cause harm, and to affirm the inherent dignity of every person, equally made in the image of God.

We therefore call for responsible reporting, careful and compassionate public speech, stronger support for those facing public hostility, and a renewed commitment from churches, institutions and civic leaders to oppose racism and protect human dignity.

May Professor Arday’s loved ones know comfort in their grief. May his death lead us to honest reflection, faithful action and a deeper commitment to creating communities in which every person is treated with justice, compassion and dignity.

Racial Justice Advocacy Forum (RJAF)
Revd Wale Hudson-Roberts, Dr Richard Reddie.