Faith leaders and community representatives gathered in unity to strengthen interfaith bonds, and discuss how different faith communities can work as constructively as possible for ‘the common good’ of humanity.
Hosted by the the Rt Revd Nick Baines – Bishop of Leeds, and the Rt Revd Dr Toby Howarth – Bishop of Bradford, the discussion highlighted some of the current challenges facing religious communities in West Yorkshire.
In attendance were representatives from the Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Hindu and Sikh communities, recognising the invaluable contributions of grassroots charities, places of worship, and community centres, who collectively play a pivotal role in reaching people of all faiths and backgrounds.
The meeting heard from members of all faiths, acknowledging the challenges their communities face including the rise of incidents of faith-based hate crimes, and highlighted the need for faith representatives to continue the exemplary work they are carrying out in their respective communities.
The Rt Revd Dr Toby Howarth stated: “It was good to meet as colleagues from different parts of West Yorkshire, with a strong presence of women leaders.
“I appreciated how open and positive the discussion was, even while acknowledging the challenges facing our religious communities and our wider society.
“Interfaith relations are facing the toughest challenges I have ever seen.
“The obvious one, mentioned a number of times in our meeting, is the war in Gaza and the related rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic hatred that we have seen.
“But others were mentioned too affecting other communities, and it was powerful and moving to hear in the face of these challenges how committed to each other our faith leaders and representatives are.
“It was also notable that the people in the room included not only religious leaders but leaders in different parts of society who are people of faith and are connected into their religious organisations and institutions.”
Co-hosting the meeting was Mr Ed Anderson CBE – Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, representing His Majesty King Charles, who is deeply committed to positive interfaith relations.
The recently re-elected much-loved Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, was also present, with two members of her faith and communities team, who restated that strengthening ties between the diverse communities in West Yorkshire, remains one of her top priorities.
