The title on my blog post and video today is sorry, wrong colour! Sometimes in life, we come across things that leave us uncertain whether to be alarmed, saddened, or simply surprised. Recently, Rupert Lowe, MP for Great Yarmouth, shared a message on his profile that has sparked debate. He called on Cancer Research UK to withdraw a scholarship programme which, according to its criteria, was open only to applicants who identify as being from a Black heritage background. Rupert Lowe described this as a “racist scholarship” and urged that the scheme be reopened to all applicants, regardless of the colour of their skin.
His words raise important questions: Should opportunities such as scholarships and jobs be open to everyone, judged on ability and suitability, or is there a place for restricting opportunities based on race in the name of equality, diversity, and inclusion? As I reflected on this issue, I found myself thinking about what equality and diversity really mean in practice, and whether they are being applied fairly in this case.
What Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Really Mean
The terms “equality, diversity, and inclusion” (EDI) are often used in organisations today, but when I hear them, alarm bells tend to ring. By definition:
- Equality means offering the same rights and opportunities to all people.
- Diversity is about recognising that each person is unique and embracing differences such as beliefs, abilities, preferences, backgrounds, and values.
- Inclusion means making sure that everyone has fair access to opportunities and feels valued in their environment.
On paper, this sounds fair. But in practice, schemes that deliberately exclude people based on race seem to undermine the very principles of equality and inclusion. Shouldn’t the focus be on finding the person best suited to the job or scholarship? Rather than ticking a box based on skin colour?
This debate reminds me of other concerns I’ve raised about modern trends in society. For example, in my post on school lessons being exposed, I talked about how our traditions are often undermined. Likewise, in my video about digital ID, I questioned whether government and institutions are really working for fairness. Or whether control and division are being promoted instead.
I am calling on Cancer Research UK to withdraw this racist scholarship, and reopen the scheme for all applicants – whatever the colour of their skin.
Giving the opportunity to the man or woman who is best placed to do the job.
Sound reasonable, @CR_UK? https://t.co/oHb1LtySim
— Rupert Lowe MP (@RupertLowe10) September 30, 2025
A Christian Perspective on Race and Unity
As this is a Christian channel and blog, it’s important to look at this subject from a biblical perspective. The Bible makes it clear that God created all people in His image. There may be many nations and ethnic backgrounds, but we are all equal before Him.
Here are a few key verses from the New King James Version (NKJV):
- Genesis 1:27 – “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”
- Acts 17:26 – “And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth.”
- Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
- John 13:34–35 – “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”
These verses remind us that skin colour is not what defines us. Instead, our unity in Christ and our love for one another are what truly matter. When workplaces and institutions embrace division rather than unity, they move away from God’s design for humanity.
The Bigger Picture
We live in a world where division is constantly being fuelled — whether through politics, education, or social policy. As Christians, we are called to be different: to stand for truth, fairness, and love. That doesn’t mean ignoring real issues of disadvantage. But it does mean rejecting any system that judges people solely on their race or background. God’s way is higher, and His love includes everyone.
If you’re not yet a Christian, I encourage you to consider the words of Jesus and the hope He offers. Eternal life is a free gift for all who believe in Him, repent of their sins, and receive Him as Lord and Saviour.
Final Thoughts
Rupert Lowe’s challenge to Cancer Research UK raises questions that won’t disappear anytime soon. Should scholarships and opportunities be restricted by race, or should they be open to all who are qualified? As I reflect on this, I can’t help but conclude that fairness means judging by ability, not skin colour. That principle, grounded in God’s Word, is what truly leads to unity and justice.
If this subject interests you, you might also like my post on why I’m leaving the UK, where I discuss wider changes in our society. Or my thoughts on why newspapers are not always right when reporting on these divisive issues.
Thank you for reading, and may God bless you.