following the publication of the Report of the Inquiry chaired by Sir William Macpherson into the death of Stephen Lawrence

The report of the Macpherson inquiry addresses painful and disturbing issues. At its heart lies the tragic death of a young man whose killers have never been brought to justice.

My special prayers therefore remain with the Lawrence family, who have conducted themselves with true Christian dignity and courage throughout this harrowing ordeal.

But the report also raises major questions about institutional racism and its impact on the work of the Metropolitan Police. Racism wherever it exists is an evil to which the Church and the Christian message are totally opposed; it is also an evil which we are pledged to counter. Racism among those in positions of power and authority is especially offensive as it threatens the principles of both equality and justice.

I and my fellow bishops feel deep compassion and sympathy for the disquiet and pain which many ethnic minority communities will now be experiencing.

As a nation we require police forces that are dedicated and professional and which command the respect of everyone. There is much work of the Metropolitan Police that is admirable. But it is clear that where serious deficiencies exist they must be addressed with urgency, rigour and determination. That requires changes to hearts and minds as well as to policies. I am pleased to learn that changes are already being made.

I, and my colleagues, offer our support and encouragement to everyone involved in police work who is committed to policing methods that merit and win the trust and confidence of all communities.

It is my profound hope, a hope shared by all people of goodwill, that the wounds which have been exposed in our society may be healed and the nation strengthen as a result.