This Knowledge Exchange forum was facilitated by Dwayne Hutchinson (Faith and Racial Justice Lead at Church Institute) in partnership with GLOCCRIN (Global Citizenship and Children’s Rights Network) and Leeds Trinity University. The main purpose of the gathering was to introduce the concept of interculturalism, with its emphasis on understanding and interaction between people of different ethnicities, cultures and traditions and how it can help to challenge racism and discrimination in Leeds. Dr Chris Swift  ( Director of Leeds Church Institute) welcomed everyone, and Professor Charles Egbu (Vice Chancellor of Leeds Trinity University) introduced the evening by telling his story and how his faith motivates his concern for racial and social justice.  This was followed by ‘Testament’, a local poet and rap artist who performed a poem and rap on the theme of the evening.  We then learnt how Transformations Leeds (a Christian charity working with international students) makes international students feel welcome, through various intercultural activities

Paul Lancaster (GLOCCRIN) spoke in two sessions. The first covered what interculturalism is as distinct from multiculturalism and why this matters. He then shared from a Christian perspective an unfolding story of how an intercultural approach had developed in the city during the last twenty years, starting with reconciliation between White and Black Led Churches; an annual intercultural celebration in the centre of Leeds with over 30 nationalities, an Intercultural Mission Forum and intercultural leadership training in partnership with Leeds Trinity University. Reference was also made to Leeds joining the Intercultural Cities Network (2021) and what this means for the city. Discussion groups considered:

• ~ How they felt they were engaging in their various spheres from an intercultural standpoint.
• ~ The benefits and challenges of working in this way. Stories were shared about engagement and the needs of ethnic minorities, particularly a real sense of belonging.
• ~ Intercultural dialogue and the need for a mindset of openness, curiosity and commitment, bridging the divide between those who see diversity as a threat and those who see it as an advantage.
• ~ Themes, including intercultural leadership, what an intercultural city looks like, the need for intercultural training and the relationship between interculturalism and racial justice.
• ~ How both racial justice and interculturalism aim for inclusion and equity, challenging exclusion, discrimination and marginalisation as they work towards creating inclusive societies.
• ~ The role of the church as a prophetic example of genuine interculturalism, with the opportunity to bring healing and reconciliation.

The Bishop of Huddersfield, Smitha Prasadan, closed the evening, very much appreciating the progress that has been made in Leeds and encouraging us all to keep moving forward.