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