Our three cathedrals have worked together to mark two major milestones this week: Holocaust Memorial Day, and 100,000 COVID-19 deaths in the UK.
The Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration was hosted by Wakefield Cathedral, and included an introduction by Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Revd Nick Baines, on the theme of this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day, ‘Be the light in the darkness’.
Speaking about the Holocaust Memorial Day collaboration, the Dean of Wakefield, the Very Revd Simon Cowling, said: “It has been a privilege to work with Dean Jerry of Bradford and Dean John of Ripon in developing this prayerful and reflective event.
“Remembering those who endured the Holocaust and subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur is a vital way of witnessing to the continuing need in our world for justice, peace and reconciliation.”
The video can be seen here.
Led by Bradford Cathedral, the three cathedrals have also produced reflections and prayers to mark the tragic milestone of 100,000 deaths from COVID-19 in the UK. 
The Revd Canons Mandy Coutts of Bradford, Leah Vasey-Saunders of Wakefield and Ailsa Newby of Ripon all offered prayers for all those affected in some way by the pandemic, while Bishop Nick reflected on the hope of our faith and the power of Jesus’ resurrection.
This video can be seen here.
Our cathedrals have linked up several times during the pandemic, as part of their commitment to work together for the mission and flourishing across the whole Diocese of Leeds.