The Bishops of the Diocese of Leeds have wished our Sikh friends, colleagues and communities our best wishes on the occasion of Vaisakhi this year.
Their message can be read below.
"We send you our warmest greetings and good wishes for the festival of Vaisakhi.
"We rejoice with you that this year, after two years of marking Vaisakhi in lockdown, families and communities will once again be able to gather together to celebrate in homes, Gurdwaras and with Nagar Kirtans.
"We give thanks for your continued community spirit and selfless sewa within our communities, particularly highlighted during the challenges faced by the global Covid-19 pandemic.
"It is wonderful to see members of both our local and the national Sikh community receiving recognition for their work in serving vulnerable people during this time, through the Queen's New Year Honours list, appointments as Deputy Lieutenants, and Community Service Awards.
"We would especially like to remember Gurdeep Singh, who died in February this year - the co-founder of Gurdwara Aid, which was instrumental in both providing Sikh feedback to the government and advising gurdwaras during the Covid lockdown.
"Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss.
"And so, looking to the year ahead, may we assure you of our prayers of peace and blessing for you all, and may we offer our heartfelt wishes for a joyful and blessed Vaisakhi."
The Rt Revd Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds
The Rt Revd Toby Howarth, Bishop of Bradford
The Rt Revd Jonathan Gibbs, Bishop of Huddersfield
The Rt Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of Ripon
The Rt Revd Tony Robinson, Bishop of Wakefield