This week the Revd Canon Sam Corley, Rector of Leeds and Chair of the House of Clergy at diocesan Synod, represented the diocese in an online discussion with the Earl of Wessex.
Hosted by Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Mr Ed Anderson, the discussion included various organisations from across West Yorkshire and explored some of the challenges and opportunities faced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sam said: “It was a privilege to have an opportunity to share with the Earl some stories of hope from our churches and other faith communities as we've responded to the health, social, economic and educational implications of the virus.
“The demands have been significant in every sense, but while our doors were closed for a long time, and even now much of what we are able to offer in our places of worship is restricted, the Earl was impressed by the resilience, creativity and commitment religious communities have shown and wished to convey his thanks, encouragement and admiration.”