Student Hub
Faith and Belief Forum
The Faith and Belief Forum is a network that welcomes all staff and students within our University.
Religion and belief is a protected characteristic that refers to religion, faith, belief, and non- belief.
The purpose of the Forum is:
- To provide a safe, confidential and supportive environment in which to discuss issues relating to Religion, Faith, Belief and no Belief;
- To provide support and networking and share best practice across all equality strands;
- To assist in the monitoring and reporting on compliance with equality and diversity legislation and good practice;
- To contribute to the development of policies directly relating to equality and diversity, and those which indirectly affect equality and diversity issues through the equality impact assessment process
How can I join?
To join the mailing list please contact the Forum Chair, Melvyn Kelly or The Equality and Diversity Team.
Our newly refurbished Faith Space is now open on the first floor of Woodhouse, City Campus for staff, students, and visitors. Find out more about our faith spaces.
- Report and guidance on faith and belief - In conjunction with staff on the forum and other stakeholders, we produced a guide to religion and belief and a comprehensive list of faith centres in the Leeds area. This was widely consulted upon and went ‘live’ a year ago.
- Prayer Rooms - Prayer rooms or staff and students in Woodhouse, City Campus are currently being refurbished to create new prayer facilities and improve the current washrooms, installing bespoke Wudhu facilities.
- Faith and student accommodation - In conjunction with CARES and Estates staff, we have received regular updates on the adjustments made to student accommodation to meet the needs of students in accommodation with different belief systems.
Unity Canvas Event
All students and staff are invited to help create two ‘Unity pledge’ artworks by leaving their painted handprint on special canvasses. The handprint serves as a symbolic assent to a ‘Unity Pledge’, acknowledging mutual responsibility, respect and concern towards all the people who work and study at and visit the University.
- City Campus: Gateway, Leslie Silver building on Wednesday 26th September 2018 between 12.00 and 14.00 .
- Headingley Campus, Hub on Wednesday 10th October between 12.00 and 14.00
Come and get involved and hopefully these events can be the start of a new initiative of similar ‘unity in diversity’ events at Leeds Beckett throughout the academic year.
- Monday 17th September 2018 12.00pm City Campus
- Monday 14th January 2019 12.00pm Headingley Campus
- Monday 10th June 2019 12.00pm City Campus
- Equality and Human Rights Commission
- Featured religions and beliefs with a full history and calendar of events
- Leeds New Muslims are a support group for those who have converted to, or have an interest in Islam. We are able to provide help and support to those considering becoming Muslim.
- Leeds Lubavitch are a Jewish Society based in Leeds
- The Leeds Beckett University Chaplaincy service offers spiritual guidance, support and friendship to students from both Leeds Beckett University and the University of Leeds. The chaplaincy is open to students and staff of all faiths and none.
Revd. Melvyn Kelly
I’m Melvyn Kelly and I am an ordained minister in the
Methodist Church.
A long time ago I used to be a solicitor working for the CPS
in North Yorkshire. For 21 years I have served the Methodist Church in Circuit
ministry in charge of churches in the Bridlington and Lancashire West Circuits.
Recently my role as a minister in Ormskirk allowed me to
serve part-time in the Multifaith Chaplaincy team at Edge Hill University.
Now my Church has appointed me to serve in the Universities
in Leeds Chaplaincy team and to be lead chaplain to Leeds Beckett University
which I am delighted to do! It is good to be back in Yorkshire too (I’m from Rastrick) after 15 years in
Lancashire!
I am looking forward to the many and varied aspects that my role here will involve including serving as chair of the Faith & Belief Forum.
