A Fond Farewell from Bradford: BHC Celebrates Years of Partnership as Bishop Toby Prepares for Leeds
When Bishop Toby kicked off his farewell tour outside Bradford Town Hall, it was a proud and meaningful moment for all of us at the Bradford Hindu Council (BHC). Over the last 12 years, Bishop Toby has been far more than a senior church leader, he has been a genuine friend, ally, and pillar of interfaith unity for our district.
Bringing Faiths Together in Action
Under his leadership, interfaith collaboration transformed from formal discussions into real, active community partnerships across Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and other faith networks:
The Bradford Ambassadors Project: Bishop Toby launched initiatives like Believing in Bradford, establishing the Bradford Ambassadors team to champion the city’s diversity on a national scale. BHC Chair Deepak Sharma was chosen as a Bradford Ambassador, working directly alongside Bishop Toby and leaders from all backgrounds to promote civic pride and social cohesion.
Diwali Celebrations & BHC Recognition: A highlight of our shared journey was welcoming Bishop Toby to BHC’s annual Diwali celebrations, where the Council proudly presented him with a Diwali Award in recognition of his dedicated support for local faith communities.
Standing United in Solidarity: Whether gathering at City Hall for Srebrenica Memorial events, joint Peace Rallies, or responding as a unified interfaith front during challenging times, Bishop Toby ensured all faith traditions stood shoulder-to-shoulder to keep Bradford safe and cohesive.
Grassroots Support: From supporting joint community food initiatives during the pandemic to championing grassroots dialogue platforms like Near Neighbours and the Keeping Faith project, his focus remained firmly on practical care.
A Message from BHC Chair Deepak Sharma
“Bishop Toby showed us what true community leadership looks like. From selecting me as a Bradford Ambassador to sharing in our Diwali celebrations, he brought people together with genuine warmth and humility. His effort to bridge faiths and break boundaries has left a lasting legacy in Bradford, and we wish him every blessing as he steps up as the Diocesan Bishop of Leeds.”
