If ever there was a way to encourage a group of people, who often don’t know each other, to come to a meeting it is the promise of warm hospitality and a good meal. This principle didn’t fail when, on Thursday 29th January, over 50 people from faith communities, local faiths forums and public sector organisations gathered at Habib’s on Killinghall Road, Bradford for the Yorkshire and Humber Faith Links lunch. The lunch was the third in a series of events, sponsored by Bradford University to bring representatives of faith communities together to network and build dialogue. These events are part of the Yorkshire and Humber Faiths Forum’s contribution to the national framework Face to Face and Side by Side and the large turnout once again proved that faith communities are keen to engage in dialogue with each other and the community.
Habib’s had prepared a buffet of traditional curries and side dishes served in their upstairs function room. Guests were welcomed by Inderjit Bhogal, YHFF’s CEO; YHFF’s Chair, Tony Robinson and Dave Norman, Head of Bradford University’s Access and Widening Participation Department. Inderjit said “The YHFF is very grateful for Bradford University’s support, especially from Dave Norman. Bradford is a very welcoming city which is working towards becoming a recognised City of Sanctuary. This lunch is about making new friends and contacts. The Faith Links initiative is about developing a two way link between faith communities and the regional Government Office, and stronger networks between faith communities.”
After the Faith Links lunch the Yorkshire and Humber Faiths Forum stayed at Habib’s for their bi-monthly Council Members meeting, attended by the Lord Mayor of Bradford Metropolitan District, Councillor Howard Middleton. In his opening address, Cllr Middleton said “Bradford takes community cohesion very seriously, including having a Faiths Advisory Group for the Lord Mayor. There is a lot of very good work going on in the city but unfortunately the media can be quick to refer to Bradford when talking about racial tensions. Bradford has moved on a long way since then and in the last few weeks, representatives of all faiths contributed to the Holocaust Memorial and Remembrance Day services. In the next census there is a predicted 5% rise in the BME population from 20% to 25% along with new immigrants from Eastern Europe joining the older immigrant communities. This is the diversity Bradford has to manage, something we believe are doing well. Bradford is very pleased that the Yorkshire and Humber Faiths Forum and their invited guests came to show their support for Bradford and in return we will do all we can to support your work.”
The Yorkshire and Humber Faiths Forum, which has given a strong lead on the Sanctuary Movement, was pleased to hear of the encouraging developments on Sanctuary in Bradford. Inderjit Bhogal said “It is our hope that Bradford will become the second City of Sanctuary in the UK.”
