Latest Posts
Reclaiming Histories: Slavery, Race and the Churches
Kathy Shaw from SPARK Social Justice reflects on the Reclaiming Histories day conference, hosted on 5th June 2025 by Leeds Church Institute and USPG. This reflection was originally published on the Diocese of Leeds Justice and Peace Commission website. Aims: The...
The In-Between Spaces: Art as lament, protest, and hope
In April 2025, at the start of the Art Theology Festival, LCI worked with glass artist Linda Baines and philosophical theologian Dr Tasia Scrutton to host a day retreat for women in ministry. The day drew on Yinka Shobinare's sculpture Hibiscus Rising, and the legacy...
Gospel Streets: An Urban Pilgrimage in Leeds for Lent
On 3 April the Revd Jon Swales, MBE, led 36 people on a 4 hours pilgrimage walk through the streets of Leeds. Seven stations of reflection were held, drawing on the Passion narrative of Mark’s Gospel. Organised by the Lighthouse Community, and supported by Leeds...
The Wisdom of Inclusive Growth: How can art help us dream of a better future?
Faith and Creativity Lead Bronagh Daly reflects on inclusive growth and marginalisation in Leeds, as we begin the journey of Lent. What does 'Inclusive Growth' in Leeds mean to you, your church, your work or your business? For the last few years, I have been...
Racial Justice Sunday 2025
Sunday 9th February 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of Racial Justice Sunday. This tradition was started by the Methodist Church in 1995, following the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence in 1993. It's an opportunity for churches and Christians from all backgrounds and...
“That You May Be Healed”: How can we repent from the sin of racism?
Faith and Racial Justice Lead Dwayne Hutchinson's thoughts on the sin of racism, and how we can move towards repentance In 2023, we hosted meetings with Church leaders to prepare for our Churches Against Racism event in April 2024. In those meetings I heard...
Not Just For Christmas: The season for charity and the cry for justice
Faith at the Margins Lead Paul Coleman reflects on the season of giving, the causes of poverty, and the biblical call to build a just society Every day when I come through door to the LCI office, I see a piece of artwork, the Bagman of Bagley, a triptych by...
Christian Mechanics: Chris Swift’s reflections on LCI’s past and future
This reflection was posted on Chris Swift's blog, at the end of his first week at Leeds Church Institute. He explores Hook's legacy, and how we meet the challenges of the city today. When I left my previous employment I had no idea what would come next. One of...
Ribbons of Wisdom: Reflections by Four Leeds Women of Faith
Bronagh Daly reflects on her visit to Ribbons, the new sculpture outside Leeds Playhouse As the Faith and Creativity Lead at Leeds Church Institute, my role is to utilise the fine arts to support theological dialogue here in our city on some of the hardest to talk...
Beyond Inclusion: Seeking connection and community this Disability History Month
The 14th November to 20th December 2024 is UK Disability History Month. This year the focus for awareness is 'Disability, Livelihood and Employment'. Creating spaces for work and for rest where Disabled people can be fully themselves, and fully participate in life...