Our Bishops are sending warm greetings and support to our Sikh sisters and brothers during the festival of Vaisakhi.
The Sikh harvest festival also acts as the beginning of the Indian Solar New Year.
The full message can be read below.
“To Sikh friends and colleagues,
“We send warm greetings to you and to the wider Sikh community on the festival of Vaisakhi.
“We value and treasure the good relations that we enjoy with Sikh neighbours, friends and colleagues across the parishes and chaplaincies of the Anglican Diocese of Leeds. As you commemorate the anniversary of the creation of the Khalsa, we give thanks for all the ways in which the Sikh community embraces the Khalsa’s ideals of respect, unity and equality for all.
“We know that sewa, or selfless service, is integral to Sikhism, and we continue to be grateful for the huge contribution that Sikhs make to our common life in the UK as a community working for the good of all. We have seen the commitment you have shown to our local communities and to our country, supporting people affected by the cost of living crisis by providing langar, donating to foodbanks and providing warm clothing to the homeless.
“And so, may you know peace and joy as you come together to celebrate in homes, Gurdwaras, and with Nagar Kirtans, and we wish everyone celebrating a very Happy Vaisakhi.”
The Rt Revd Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds
The Rt Revd Toby Howarth, Bishop of Bradford
The Rt Revd Arun Arora, Bishop of Kirkstall
The Rt Revd Tony Robinson, Bishop of Wakefield