Rev Canon Smitha Prasadam, a Chaplain from Denmark, has been announced as the next Bishop of Huddersfield.
Rev Prasadam has been serving as a Chaplain in St Albans, Copenhagen since 2018, where she has been responsible for the spiritual care of the Indian diaspora community. She also served as the Bishop’s Racial Justice Adviser, Vocations Adviser, and Chair of the House of Clergy in the Europe Diocese. Her work has been recognized for promoting interfaith dialogue and community outreach programs.
Her appointment has been welcomed by members of the Church of England, who see it as a significant step forward in promoting diversity and inclusivity in the Church. It also marks a return to Yorkshire for Smitha, who once studied English Literature and Linguistics at the College of Ripon and York St John.
In a statement, she said; “I can’t wait to start meeting people in God’s own country again. 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.”
The newly appointed Bishop was born in the church of South India, where her family had transferred to the Anglican church in Wales. Rev Prasadam’s family were both missionaries in the Church Missionary Group and her mother was the first Indian to be ordained in the United Kingdom.
According to her, she had resided in many areas across the U. S; “Home is anywhere and everywhere and hospitality both at the Lord’s table and the kitchen table makes me happy!
“My ministry in parish, advocacy and advisory roles over 20 years is joy, justice and dreaming God’s dream anew. I hope to be instrumental in connecting people to God, so they can discover a sense of something wondrous, joyous and beautiful, to develop and deepen a relationship with God that is life-giving and meaningful in today’s challenging world.”
The Archbishop of York, Most Rev. Stephen Cottrel, welcomed the new bishop. He said, “It is really good to welcome the announcement of Smitha as the next Bishop of Huddersfield who will be part of a new and exciting leadership team in the Diocese of Leeds.
“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.”
Rt. Reverend Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds, also in a bid to welcome her to the new position said: “This is an excellent appointment for the Huddersfield Episcopal Area in the Diocese of Leeds.
“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.”
Rev Prasadam said she was honoured to be chosen for the role and looked forward to working with the people of Huddersfield.
