The new Bishop of Huddersfield, the Rt Revd Smitha Prasadam, was welcomed to the diocese and the Huddersfield area at a service at Halifax Minster.
On Saturday, September 2, the Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Revd Nick Baines, led a service of inauguration of Bishop Smitha’s ministry at the Minster.
Bishop Nick spoke about the role a bishop has, as they are called to foster, lead and support God’s people in their area, before affirming Bishop Smitha as she begins her ministry in Huddersfield.
Children and young people spoke of their hopes for the region, before Bishop Smitha preached on the story of Mary and Martha, calling on us to be fed both by food but also by the Spirit, in this time of new beginnings.
After leading prayers with the Ven Bill Braviner, Archdeacon of Halifax, Bishop Smitha was presented with oils, a Bible, water and a Communion cup as symbols of her new ministry, before blessing the congregation as the service ended.
There was then a buffet lunch, and a chance for the new Bishop to mingle and meet many people from her area and across the diocese.
On her first day in the diocese, Bishop Smitha said: “I'm looking forward to working together with parishes, clergy and community throughout Kirklees and Calderdale to encourage people in confident discipleship and relish the thought of embracing cultural, educational, commercial and inter-faith partners so we can support this wonderful place and its people in common cause.
“I really want to engage with the public square: with commerce, with culture, the people, the schools, the institutions here in the area of Huddersfield.
“So, I will be available to you, I will serve you faithfully and diligently.
“I ask for one thing in return, that you will pray for me, and for our ministry, that together God’s light may shine on this glorious part of the world.”
