Skip to main content

Stunning WYEC Procession Celebrates Diversity




Mindful, in the run-up to the General Election, of the climate in society of hostility to people of different races and nations; of the tendency to blame people from other countries for long-standing problems at home; and of the need for an outlook of hope to triumph over the negativity of fear, regional church leaders came together in the centre of Leeds on Ash Wednesday, 19 February, to lead a colourful procession in celebration of diversity – of cultures, nations, traditions – in the churches, the city and the region.

Hundreds of people were engaged by a procession along Briggate and by the opening of an amazing banner of the flags of the nations in the Trinity Leeds shopping centre.

The Chair of West Yorkshire Ecumenical Council (the organisation behind the event), the Revd. Kevin Watson, Moderator of the Yorkshire Synod of the United Reformed Church, said:

"In the approach to the General Election, we must not seek to scapegoat people of different cultures. In unity, as Christians, we rejoice in the rich diversity of God's people in our churches, city and region."

He added,

“We are united in our faith in Christ and we are also diverse in our backgrounds and cultures; and we are all the better for it. Our society is also richer because of its diversity.”



Report by Rev Dr Clive Barrett,
WYEC - West Yorkshire Ecumenical Council

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Virtual Worship - 13 February 2022

Welcome to worship with the Bradford North Methodist Circuit this morning. This service will be shared this morning by Rev Nick Blundell and the members and friends at Bolton Methodist Church. Service Sheet   (pdf) Call to worship We are blessed to be here today. We are blessed to be together today. We are blessed to be a family. We are blessed that God is with us. Let us enjoy God’s blessing as we worship today. Lord, thank you that we are blessed. Help us to recognise all that you have given to us. We pray that not only will we reflect on your blessings we will also seek to be a blessing to others, with your help and in your name. Amen. Hymn You might like to sing, or reflect on David J Evans’ hymn at Singing the Faith 20, Be still. for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One, is here. Prayers Father, we worship and adore you for the light you bring to this dreary time of year, when we long for spring. Thank you for the blessing of every shoot and bud, the reminders of your...

Soupermums! Wilsden Trinity Church

Do you have a young baby? Looking for something to do? If the answer is yes then Soupermums is for you. We're here from 11 until 1 every Monday, Mums (and dads) have a rest and the babies can play. Have a lovely sit down whilst you sip on a brew. Enjoy having someone else make lunch for you! Come along to Wilsden Church, meet the rest of the group. Lovely ladies cuddle the babies, whilst you eat your soup. Chat with the mums, new friends you will make. Swap tips and advice over a slice or two of cake. So what are you waiting for? come on along, For homemade treats, good company and if you're lucky a song. We're looking forward to meeting you, please come take a peek, 11-1 at Wilsden Trinity, we're here every week! Celine V  (a Soupermum!) Where can new mums go, to have lunch where it’s warm and safe and you get to eat fresh soup and homemade cakes, while someone holds your baby? Too big an ask? Not at Wilsden Trinity! Every Mond...

Virtual Worship - 6 February 2022

Service Sheet (pdf) Welcome to worship wherever you are in the Circuit, come and join i n with the people of Allerton as we gather to worship God together. In a pretty setting opposite Ladywood Park, overlooking green space and its own graveyard, the congregation gathers from the surrounding area, a mix of faces, cultures and traditions, coming together to worship God. Call to worship: Come and worship the Lord: Cry, Holy, holy, holy! Come and praise the name of our God: The whole earth is full of his glory! Song We begin with HP 9/StF 55 Immortal, invisible, God only wise, praising God in his glory. Prayers We worship you, God of all: high above us, your glory more than we could bear to see. You have formed and shaped our world; and we look up and see the grandeur of the mountains, the power of the seas, the distant stars, the long-lived trees, and we marvel. Yet your love is also poured out upon the lowliest of creatures, insects that live but a day, sea creatures never seen by hum...