On 17th November 2009, The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, hosted an event bringing regional religious leaders together at Bishopthorpe Palace.

The Archbishop of York introduced the event and listened to representatives from the Yorkshire and Humber Faith Forum (YHFF) speak about how the organisation has developed since its creation four years ago. He also reflected with them on the current economic situation.

The YHFF discussed their latest report which is entitled ‘Grace and Generosity’: the contribution of Faith Communities to the Yorkshire and Humber Economy.

Dr Sentamu said,

‘I would like to affirm the work of the Yorkshire and Humber Faith Forum. They are doing invaluable work bringing people together across the region.

‘It is important, especially in the current economic climate, that we all look to help each other through difficult times. The title of the Forum’s latest report expresses the values with which we believe religious communities should serve the community ñ Grace and Generosity, rather than greed and gain’.

Inderjit Bhogal, Chief Executive of the Yorkshire and Humber Faiths Forum, said ‘This was a very significant meeting taking place during the national Interfaith Week. It is the first time the leaders of different faiths met each other and other key people at the regional level. The meeting encouraged and strengthened interfaith relations and work in our region. Archbishop Sentamu launched the Faiths Forum four years ago. We are able to highlight the contributions we have made in the region to advance the contribution of faith communities since then. For example, our recent research has shown at this critical economic time that faith communities contribute around £300 million per annum in this region’.