“And who is my neighbour?” was the subject of the Annual Harold Wilson Lecture 2024, given by the Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover, and organised in collaboration between the Diocese of Leeds and the University of Huddersfield.
The event was introduced by Professor Bob Cryan, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield, and concluded by the Rt Revd Smitha Prasadam, Bishop of Huddersfield.
Bishop Rose drew on her experiences as Chaplain in the House of Commons to urge those present to actively challenge any political narrative that seeks to encourage a suspicion and fear of ‘the other’.
Using the Parable of the Good Samaritan, she shared the Christian imperative to show compassion and kindness to all, particularly the most vulnerable people in our society, regardless of religion, race, or social status.
Moreover, Bishop Rose argued, there needs to be an intentional focus on creating cohesive communities, and on working together for justice, reconciliation and peace.
As she concluded, the Bible exhorts us all to “do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”
Among the attendees were Robin Wilson, Harold Wilson’s son, along with other members of the Wilson family; and local civic dignitaries, including the High Sheriff, Professor Adeeba Malik.
In 2007 Bishop Rose was appointed as a Chaplain to Her Late Majesty the Queen, and in 2010 she became the first female appointed to the position of the 79th Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons.
In November of 2019 she was consecrated as the first black female Bishop in the Church of England as the Bishop of Dover.