How we walk with our sisters and brothers of other faiths has been the topic of multiple events across the diocese this week, as part of Interfaith Week 2022.
Events have included faith trails, with diverse groups walking between our different places of worship, including one in Huddersfield; an interfaith ‘Roses for Peace’ event in Batley, where roses with gift tags with messages of peace on them have been shared with local people by Christian and Muslim groups; small faith group workshops; and interfaith cooking events.
The week aims to strengthen good interfaith relations at all levels, increasing awareness of the different and distinct faith communities in the UK and celebrating the contribution which their members make to their neighbourhoods and to wider society.
The Revd Canon Hilary Barber, Vicar of Halifax Minster, and co-chair of the Interfaith Network for the UK said: “Interfaith Week provides an opportunity to celebrate the rich faith and cultural traditions to be found across the UK.
“Many public, private, and third sector organisations are having special events to affirm the mixed traditions of faith and none that enrich our common life.
“The Diocese of Leeds has a long tradition of welcoming people from all faiths and none into their communities.
“We believe in a generous God who welcomes and values all people.”
The Revd Jenny Ramsden, Diocesan Interfaith Advisor, said: "Interfaith Week is a week to celebrate and strengthen relationships between people from different faith traditions and to highlight the ways in which our diverse faith communities contribute to the common good.
“It’s wonderful, therefore, to see so many people across the diocese participating in Interfaith Week this year, including Faith Trails visiting different places of worship, ‘Roses for Peace’, workshops to support small faith groups with funding and interfaith cooking events to support the homeless and vulnerable in our communities.
“It feels more important than ever to bring people together in this way - increasing our understanding of each other, forming and deepening friendships, and educating against prejudice and hatred.
“Thank you to all those who have taken part!"