Remarkable Legacy of the Yorkshire and Humber Faiths Forum

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As the work of the Forum came to an end Revd Dr Inderjit Bhogal outlined its achievements and its legacy.

“There is a language in the world that everyone understands … it is the language of enthusiasm, of things accomplished with love and purpose” (Coelho, Paulo 1995. The Alchemist. Thornsons, London. Pg.64).

Yorkshire and Humber is rich in ethnic, cultural and faith diversity. Faith is a vital and live issue at the heart of our civic society.

In this context Yorkshire and Humber Faiths Forum [YHFF] is glad to celebrate things accomplished, and to leave a legacy to cherish.

YHFF was set up for 3 years to bring together a Council of people from nine different faiths in Yorkshire & Humber. This Council was to appoint the Faith Seat Holder on the Yorkshire & Humber Assembly. This has been successfully accomplished.

YHFF is the only body that has regularly brought together people of different faiths in Yorkshire & Humber to meet with each other

- to advance the contribution of faith communities

- to encourage and educate faith communities to work together

- to challenge discrimination

YHFF appointed the Faith Seat Holder to the YHA until the Assembly was brought to a close
YHFF has outlasted its original remit by three years.

In addition to all this YHFF has:

established United Faiths [UF], the UK’s first and to date only regional youth interfaith forum. UF will exist beyond March 2011 to continue its work to promote the youth voice and youth leadership. In youth leadership is our lasting sustainability

encouraged the development of City of Sanctuary – now a rapidly spreading national movement – with Sheffield, Bradford and Swansea established as Cities of Sanctuary; and with 20 cities and towns with working groups (including in Yorkshire & Humber: Leeds, Hull, Wakefield, Bradford, Huddersfield and Sheffield). City of Sanctuary is an independent charity and continues its work

delivered Grace & Generosity our research revealing the economic contribution of faith communities of £300 million per annum in the Yorkshire and Humber region. This remains a valuable resource for all organisations and communities

delivered with the Churches Regional Commission the religious literacy training programme of Faith Matters for key workers. This is to continue with a Steering Committee and delivery associates under the care of Sajda Shah. The training provides introductions to different faiths, key equalities legislation, examples of good practice and action steps for the future

supported the growth and development of local interfaith forums including new groups developed in the last 5 years in Sheffield, Kirklees, Wakefield and Grimsby. Their valuable work continues relying heavily on volunteers

created websites for YHFF and UF with a wealth of downloadable information – and these will remain in place

facilitated the Yorkshire & Humber Faith Links Group to strengthen relationships between the Government Office and Faith Communities, and to strengthen faith influence and faith literacy in local authorities

established a whole web of networks and relationships which has promoted good interfaith work and practice. The network has helped to spread interfaith week. The network of relationships will continue

influenced and contributed to local, regional and national policy. We have helped to put Faith on the agenda in so many ways.

Members of our Council are a recognised and valued set of faith leaders. I hold each one of them in high esteem. They are a stunning group of people who are and will remain a huge resource here. I cannot thank them enough for all they give and have given.

I have given at least one keynote address each week, either in Yorkshire & Humber or elsewhere – bringing faith perspectives in mostly secular and political contexts.

I have enjoyed my work with YHFF and you all enormously. I have grown and been enriched through my work here and with you all.

Thank you. I and YHFF thank all those who have worked with us and supported us.

In closing – I have deliberately not mentioned names. But I do wish to thank Bishop Tony Robinson for his skilled and sensitive chairing and leadership of YHFF, ably supported by his wise Vice Chair Sajda Shah.

And last, but not least, the wonderful Mary. Whatever the job description says I asked Mary to do 3 simple things:

1. Manage the office

2. Manage the Council and

3. Manage me.

She’s done this magnificently. I cannot commend her too highly for her work. Thank you Mary.

Thank you all for your faith with us, and for your support to us. You have helped to sustain us.

Keep hope alive.

Keep the vision alive – that we can build a world of

better understanding

respectful relationships and

genuine acceptance of each other with all our diversity.

God bless you and keep you and give you and the world peace.

Inderjit Bhogal

17 February 2011