‘I’ll never stop working for peace and justice’
By 
Emma Fowle2024-04-26T13:12:00
It is 20 years since Rev Inderjit Bhogal OBE launched the first City of Sanctuary in his home town of Sheffield. But the work of welcome, hospitality and reconciliation is more vital now than ever, he says
Inderjit Bhogal was raised a Sikh, but when he and his family moved to England in the 1960s, there were just two Sikh temples in the whole country – and none near his home in Dudley. With no prospect of being able to attend a gurdwara, he instead found the nearest place of worship, which happened to be a Methodist chapel. The church made him “feel really welcome” – a stark contrast to the racism he experienced from other parts of British society at the time. He started attending regularly, becoming “captivated by the story of Christ” in the process, and ultimately converting to Christianity.
Related articles
-
OpinionAs a Christian I'm inspired by this Mosque's radical hospitality
When Muslims fed rioters who meant them harm, they were following in Abraham’s footsteps, says George Pitcher. And perhaps setting us all an example of how to better overcome extreme hostility
-
OpinionDemocracy is a gift from God. We must fight to preserve it
In the recent Indian election, prime minister Narendra Modi won a third consecutive term, but lost his majority government. It is a blow to those who wish to enshrine Hindu beliefs into Indian law, but a victory for democracy, says Bishop Joseph D’Souza
-
OpinionDon’t avoid Halloween, it’s the perfect opportunity to share the gospel
While many Christians step back from Halloween, Nay Dawson has spent five years welcoming trick-or-treaters with lights, games and stories about Jesus. There is no need to retreat, she says, with warmth and welcome this season can be turned into a gospel opportunity
More from Real Life
-
Real Life‘Being silenced by my church was like being re-abused’
A UK church recently paid £100,000 to a woman abused by her pastor and boss. The abuse Claire* suffered and the lessons churches need to learn have already been published exclusively by Premier Christianity within this major article. But here is Claire’s full story in her own words
-
Real Life‘I was kicked out of a restaurant because of how I look’
Living with neurofibromatosis, Oliver Bromley has been mistreated his entire life. But he’s still choosing resilience over revenge
-
Real LifeWhat’s it like to have ADHD in church? A mother and son share their story
Philippa Bolton missed her son’s Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) for many years. This ADHD awareness month, Philippa and her son, Isaac, share their advice for Christians with the diagnosis - and the churches that support them
- Issues
- Topics A-Z
- Writers A-Z
- © 2025 Premier Christianity
Site powered by Webvision Cloud