On 19 November 2025, representatives from across the Leeds Episcopal Forum gathered for an evening of reflection and dialogue on Identity and Race, exploring how Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities can work together for justice and peace. Stuart Davis, Churchwarden and Deanery Representative for the Parish of Methley with Mickletown, attended on behalf of the parish.

The meeting opened with worship before Bishop Arun, Bishop of Kirkstall, introduced the panel of speakers:

• Revd Wayne Simmonds, Racial Justice Officer for the Diocese of Leeds
• Qari Asim, Senior Imam, Makkah Mosque
• Susie Gordon, CEO, Leeds Jewish Representative Council

Revd Wayne Simmonds: The Church’s Journey Toward Racial Justice

Revd Wayne Simmonds spoke first, grounding the evening in the Church’s own story of racial justice—its hopes, failures, and responsibilities.

He reminded attendees that racial justice is not a new calling but one the Church has too often avoided. Past reports such as Faith in the City (1985) and more recent work, including the 2021 From Lament to Action report, highlighted long-standing concerns, yet many recommendations remain only partially implemented. George Floyd’s murder in 2020 reopened historic wounds and confronted the Church with uncomfortable truths.

Revd Simmonds urged the Diocese to imagine a better future—one where:

• diverse leadership is seen as essential rather than exceptional
• anti-racism is embedded in clergy training and theological education
• BAME congregations and ecumenical partnerships receive equal resourcing
• non-Western liturgies and music are celebrated without being exoticised
• justice becomes measurable through audits, benchmarks and budgets

He also highlighted ongoing barriers: institutional resistance, dismissive attitudes (“we don’t have any Black people here”), a lack of meaningful data, defensiveness, and the reality that “no funding means no priority.”

Racial justice, he said, is not a temporary moment but a movement rooted in our baptismal vows and commitment to the Body of Christ.

Perspectives from the Jewish Community

Susie Gordon spoke of the rising fear and vulnerability felt within Jewish communities, exacerbated by global tensions and local incidents. She described increasing antisemitism, anxiety among families, and the emotional strain following events in the Middle East.

She emphasised compassion, careful language, and the urgent need for dialogue in a polarised society. Young people, she noted, are especially affected by toxic online spaces. She reminded the meeting:

“We need louder voices of peace rather than voices of hate.”

She also encouraged interfaith solidarity, including visible acts of support between faith groups.

Perspectives from the Muslim Community

Qari Asim highlighted the rise in anti-Muslim hatred, with Home Office statistics showing that 45–50% of all recorded religious hate crimes nationally target Muslims. Leeds research suggests that around 75% of Muslims have experienced prejudice or hostility.

He shared distressing examples of members of his congregation being physically and verbally abused, and reported that 27 mosques had been attacked nationally in the past three months.

Yet he also offered hope, reminding the room that Britain remains one of the most tolerant countries in the world. The challenge, he said, is that divisive voices are often the loudest. He called on Christians, Muslims and Jews to model unity, build trust, and create safe spaces where difficult conversations can happen with honesty and respect.

Shared Challenges and Opportunities

Across the discussion, speakers identified several shared priorities:

• strengthening relationships between faith communities
• supporting children and young people to navigate polarisation
• challenging harmful stereotypes and misinformation
• creating frameworks for difficult conversations
• expanding who is “around the table” when local issues are discussed
• offering positive leadership rooted in hope, not fear

Community members raised concerns about political polarisation, the rise of extreme rhetoric, and the need for faith communities to counter narratives of division. One attendee remarked on the importance of early intervention with young people before social media shapes their worldview.

Bishop Arun reminded the gathering that while the Church must avoid being party politics, it has a responsibility to speak clearly on justice, compassion and the dignity of every person.

Next Steps for Parishes

Practical suggestions emerging from the evening included:

• organising parish visits to a synagogue or mosque, following earlier successful visits to a Sikh gurdwara
• developing interfaith projects with local partners
• educating congregations about racial justice and solidarity
• creating spaces where honest questions can be explored safely

The evening closed with a shared commitment to strengthen unity across Leeds’ diverse communities.