History
Within faith communities, the churches have funded and established the Churches Regional Commission for Yorkshire and the Humber (CRC). This body seeks to represent the churches at regional level; to raise the profile of faith; and to encourage churches to be partners in regeneration. CRC, founded in 1998, ensured that the Yorkshire and Humber Assembly included a faith voice.
Since then, CRC, along with the Assembly, have wanted to find a way for a diversity of faith voices to be heard at a regional level – not just Christian churches.
August 2003
Publication of a research report conducted by the Community Religions Project at the University of Leeds, guided by Professor Kim Knott. The report looked into whether or not a Regional Faiths Forum for our region would be a good idea, what its role would be, who would be involved and what could faith communities contribute to the regional agenda.
Spring 2004
Ten events were held around the region asking faith communities what they thought of the idea. These events were open to all. Over 200 people attended.
April 2005
Two briefings for key people of faith in the region, describing how it might work based on the development work by the Yorkshire and Humber Assembly, CRC and a Multi-faith Steering Group.
September 2005
Inderjit Bhogal appointed as Director.
November 2005
An Appointments Committee was established to assess over 40 applications and recommend membership to the Council.
December 8th 2005
The Forum was launched at Leeds Town Hall and 20 Council members inducted.
February 21st 2006
The Council appointed an Executive Group of Chair, Tony Robinson, Vice-Chair, Sajda Shah, Secretary, Satwant Rait, Treasurer, Kiran Bali and Faith Seat Holder, Patricia Farrell.
June 2006
The Forum launched a region-wide Food Festival, which will be held annually.
December 2006
First ever conference for young people held in the region. Faith 2 Faith attracted over 100 young people from diverse faith backgrounds.
December 2007
Launch of United Faiths, the regional interfaith youth council.