Building bridges between communities is an important part of mission and ministry across our diocese.
This week our latest film in our year long campaign to tell our story here in the Diocese of Leeds is a cricket match – between clergy and imams from both sides of the Pennines - with the Lancashire team headed up by the Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Revd David Walker and the Yorkshire team made up of clergy from across the Huddersfield Episcopal Area and local Muslim leaders.
[video:https://youtu.be/D7AyuLxZRuA]
Called, Love of the Roses, it was the idea of Kumon Y’All- - a Dewsbury based community action group working since 2008 to do whatever they can to bring people of different faiths, cultures and communities together to create a better understanding between them.
And at the heart of all they do is young people.
Project leader, Farook Yunus said: “Whether it is sport, food, talking, issues, problems, clean ups; whatever it is that brings people together naturally. We empower young people to take on the planning and delivery of projects.”
Over the years they have tackled projects including cleaning up streets, helping elderly residents, Eid gift giving and each year they organise a sports-based fun days that sees teams of teenagers and over-40s contest a fun six-a-side football or cricket competition designed to promote community integration – the Diocese of Leeds usually fields a team of clergy (in the over 40 category, of course!)
Pictured left, a group of teenage boys help clean up at a Mirfield Elderly Centre . Pictured right, local people enjoy some of the events at last year's Fun Day.
Last year also on offer at the Fun Day were activities such as archery, an army obstacle course, bouncy castle, donkey rides and a barbecue.
Current projects include Duke of Edinburgh Awards for local teenagers; young people teaching elderly internet skills and they are currently working with mosques and schools to get more people involved in their mission to promote peace and unity in the communities.
As Farook says in the film: “It’s not about the winning, it’s about making friends: showing the world that we can do it; it’s so important."
FUNDAY this year is JULY 15 at Savile Town Playing fields, Dewsbury – they need teams of under 13s and under 15s and over 40s. Can you field a team? If so please contact Farook@kumonyall.co.uk