The Diocese of Leeds was pleased to host the Church of England’s online service to mark Racial Justice Sunday on Sunday, February 8.
Racial Justice Sunday is a day when all churches and communities are invited to reflect on the importance of racial justice; to give thanks for the gifts and beauty of human diversity, and to commit to end racism and acts of discrimination.
The service focused on the Biblical mandate to “love your neighbour”, which was the theme for Racial Justice Sunday this year.
The service was led by the Revd Wayne Simmonds, Racial Justice Officer for our diocese, with a sermon preached by the Rt Revd Smitha Prasadam, Bishop of Huddersfield.
Bishop Smitha and Revd Wayne made their contributions from St Thomas’ Thurstonland, one of our churches in the Huddersfield area.
Last year the church completed a restoration of their east window, which shows the story of the Good Samaritan, which helped to emphasise the Racial Justice Sunday message of “love your neighbour”.
The service also featured contributions from the Rt Revd Arun Arora, Bishop of Kirkstall, and the Rt Revd Rosemarie Mallet, Bishop of Croydon, who are the co-lead Bishops for Racial Justice for the Church of England.
Many other contributors from across the diocese and beyond also took part.
The service can be seen below.
Bishop Smitha was also involved in leading a recent service at St Peter’s Huddersfield bringing communities together in solidarity with Jamaica and the wider Caribbean following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa.Organised in partnership with the Kirklees Caribbean Hurricane Relief Group, the service centred on the theme “Finding Hope in the Face of Disaster”.
Through prayer, scripture, reflection and music from the Huddersfield Community Gospel Choir and local churches, those gathered gave thanks, lamented loss, and renewed their commitment to compassion and practical support.
The service welcomed civic leaders, community representatives and faith groups, and concluded with a blessing and the Jamaica National Anthem, affirming bonds of faith, family and friendship across nations.
More on the service can be seen here.