Archbishop Makes Reconciliation Visit to Leeds Area of London Bombers

|TOP|The Archbishop of York was in the area of Leeds this week, where two of the London July bombers lived, as part of a move to further reconciliation in the community in the aftermath of last year’s terrorist attacks.

Dr John Sentamu met with Christian leaders and a group of young people who live and work in the area at St Mary’s Church in Beeston.

He then went on to meet leaders from different religions represented by the Yorkshire and Humber Faiths Forum at the Hamara Healthy Living Centre, a £1million Muslim-based community project opened in November 2004, reports Ekklesia.

During the meetings the Archbishop of York heard of the shock of the local community that two of the bombers had lived in the area and that ringleader Mohammad Sidique Khan had worked in a local school.

|AD|Dr Sentamu said the intense media spotlight on Beeston had been a massive challenge.

"The message here is almost, 'Please world, leave us alone - we're getting on with it',” he told community leaders.

The Archbishop of York also expressed the hope that his visit would help bring down any remaining barriers between sections of the community, Ekklesia reported.

He stressed, however, the importance of going to the police if there was any suspicion in future.

Local councillor Mohammed Iqbal said: "Everybody is working together and it's a stronger community than ever before now."

Dr Sentamu spent the afternoon looking at examples of the economic regeneration in the area, as well as initiatives of the Church throughout the centre of Leeds.

A visit to a Christian arts project was followed by a visit to St George’s Crypt, a centre providing support for homeless, as well as asylum seekers.