By KLTV Newsdesk –
In a recent announcement from Downing Street, the Revd Canon Smitha Prasadam has been appointed as the new Bishop of Huddersfield, taking up the role as an Area Bishop in the Anglican Diocese of Leeds.
Smitha, who currently serves as the Chaplain of St Albans in Copenhagen, will return to Yorkshire, where she once studied English Literature and Linguistics at the College of Ripon and York St John.
‘Special Place’
Expressing her excitement at the appointment, Canon Prasadam said, “This is where I came as a student and began my journey, so it holds a special place in my heart.
“I’m looking forward to working together with parishes, clergy and community throughout Kirklees and Calderdale to encourage people in confident discipleship and relish the thought of embracing cultural, educational, commercial and inter-faith partners so we can support this wonderful place and its people in common cause.”
History
Born into the Church of South India, Canon Prasadam’s family later moved to the Anglican Church in Wales.
Her parents were pioneer mission partners with the Church Missionary Society. In the UK, her mother was the first Indian woman to be ordained.
Canon Prasadam has lived in different places across the UK with her family and feels at home wherever she is, saying, “Hospitality both at the Lord’s table and the kitchen table makes me happy!”
Canon Prasadam has over 20 years of experience in ministry in parish, advocacy, and advisory roles.
As Bishop’s Adviser, she initiated the Racial Justice Working Group in the Diocese of Europe. As a member of the Archbishop’s Transformations Steering Group, she championed women’s vocational pathways for flourishing.
She is known for her passion for liturgy, which breathes life into ancient texts, making them relevant to today’s world. She is also passionate about mission and partnership with children and young people in schools.
‘Wealth of Experience’
The Rt Revd Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds, welcomed Canon Prasadam to her new role, saying: “Smitha has travelled a long way since she was a University of Leeds student, and her wealth of experience in ministry at home and abroad will bring great benefits.
“We look forward to working with her and know she will be welcomed by all.”
‘Loving Service’
The Most Revd Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, also expressed his excitement.
He said: “She will bring to the role a passion for justice, a desire to see people come to faith in Christ, and for the whole church to reach out in loving service to the communities it serves.
“As someone who lived in Huddersfield for nine years, I feel confident that her ministry will be a blessing to that lovely town and that part of the Leeds Diocese where, under Bishop Nick’s leadership, she will have particular oversight responsibility.”
Canon Prasadam will continue to serve as the Bishop’s Racial Justice Adviser, Vocations Adviser, and Chair of the House of Clergy in the Diocese of Europe.
She is also a member of the General Synod, the Liturgical Commission, St John’s College Council Durham, FGPSC, and is Chair of the Anglican Minority Ethnic Network (AMEN).