Multi-faith ceremony to mark opening of innovative Academy Worship Room

Four faith leaders from Leeds have taken part in a ceremony to mark the opening of a new multi-faith Worship Room at the David Young Community Academy in Seacroft. Bishop John Packer was joined by Harbans Singh Sagoo, a leader of the Sikh community, Dr Hassan Alkatib, a leader of the Muslim Community and Mr Vakharia, a leader of the Hindu Community.

                                                         (Academy chaplain, Revd Mark Umpleby)

All four faiths were involved in the design of the circular worship space which can be used by staff and students for private prayer, reflection, discussion or worship.

Chair of Governors, Keith Madeley, said: “We are delighted that the inter faith collaboration and the joint working with faith leaders has led to us being able to fully establish our multi-faith Worship Room at the very heart of our Academy”.
The David Young Academy which opened in September 2006, is sponsored by the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds, but has always drawn from students of all faiths and none. While the majority of students are either uncommitted or Christian, there are approximately 50- 60 Muslim pupils, and one Hindu, as well as staff members representing all four faiths.

The round Worship Room has four worship spaces with appropriate symbols and artefacts on each wall. A cross of Perspex and glass representing the school colours was specially designed by artist Linda Baines; a copy of the Koran, and a calligraphy represent Islam; in the Sikh quarter of the room are two scrolls of religious teaching; while in the Hindu quarter is the statue of a Hindu God. Any or all quarters can be hidden from view by wall curtains.

Academy Chaplin, Revd Mark Umpleby, who has led in the Academy’s development of inter-faith collaboration said: “Having a special place for feeding our spiritual development has always been a key aspect of our work in serving all in our community”.