In June, the Intercultural Worshipping Communities project officially came to an end, and as a diocese we celebrated seven years of learning, growth and partnership with a vibrant Celebration and Learning Event.
Watch this new video celebrating the project and explaining its legacy...
While the project has concluded, building Intercultural Communities remains a key strategic priority for the Diocese of Leicester.
To support this priority, we have established an Intercultural Steering Group, appointed and commissioned Intercultural Champions in parishes and Minster Communities, and launched a regular Intercultural Network open to anyone interested in this area of mission and ministry. The first gathering will take place on 23 September 2026.
Over the summer, the Steering Group met for the first time to get to know one another, share their experiences and commitment to intercultural mission and ministry, and begin planning for the upcoming Network gathering.
The group will work operationally to support churches across the diocese, run events, encourage learning and ensure intercultural ministry remains a visible and active priority.
Jessie Tang, our Intercultural Ministry Director, said:
"I am delighted that the project has helped create momentum for this important priority and that we are establishing an Intercultural Network to keep this vision alive.
"This next phase has the potential to reach even more people, as everyone is welcome to attend our network gatherings and share what they are doing within their own contexts."
Meet the Intercultural Steering Group
Jude Taylor
I am an Associate Minister at Leicester Cathedral, where I have been part of the community since 2022.
In my previous role as Cathedral Discipleship Officer, it was a privilege to contribute to the development of intercultural discipleship events and resources and to support the work of Leicester Cathedral and St Nicholas Leicester as partner churches in the Intercultural Worshipping Communities project.
Through intercultural mission and ministry, I have learned so much about the incredible diversity and generosity of God by hearing people's stories, listening to different perspectives and sharing in worship together. Our work exploring music in intercultural worship was especially enriching. I look forward to continuing this journey as part of the Intercultural Steering Group.
Theresa Jackson
I am Theresa, and I have been shaped by my UK minority ethnic global majority heritage, my proud Afro-Caribbean ancestry and being born in London. These roots influence both my values and my approach to serving others.
My faith and vocation developed during many years as a registered nurse and later as a senior lecturer in adult nursing at De Montfort University. Trained at University College Hospital London and with further specialist study in Bristol, Hertfordshire and Leicester, I bring a deep commitment to compassionate care, cultural understanding and supporting diverse communities.
In 2010, I completed lay ministry training and now serve as an Associate Minister within the Kibworth Benefice leadership team. I am particularly interested in how faith, care and inclusion can strengthen the life of our diocese by bringing healing, dignity and a sense of belonging. Alongside ministry, I value family life as a wife, stepmother, grandmother and caring daughter.
Fr Herbert Fadriquela
I am Fr Herbert Fadriquela, Vicar of St Aidan's, New Parks, and Chaplain to the Filipino Community in the Diocese of Leicester. My ministry is shaped by a conviction that God calls the Church to welcome, accompany and serve people of every culture, background and circumstance.
My commitment to intercultural mission has grown through years of ministry alongside people from different cultures, both in the Philippines and the United Kingdom. From community development work with marginalised communities in the Philippines to ministry among Filipino migrants, hospital patients and local communities in Leicester, as well as serving with the Mission to Seafarers in Felixstowe, Ipswich and the Humber ports, I have seen how cultural diversity enriches the life and mission of the Church.
Intercultural ministry is about more than welcoming people from different backgrounds. It is about listening to one another, learning from different experiences, recognising the dignity of every person and discovering together where God is already at work. My ministry is rooted in Christ's call to welcome the stranger, care for those on the margins and proclaim the Gospel in word and action.
I am committed to building communities where people of every nation, language and culture feel welcomed, valued and able to share their gifts. Intercultural ministry offers a glimpse of God's Kingdom, where diversity is celebrated, barriers are broken down and all people are united in Christ.
Intercultural Champions Commissioned
We are delighted to have commissioned a number of Intercultural Champions, who are dedicated to keeping this priority alive within their churches and Minster Communities (where appropriate), while connecting with the wider diocesan Intercultural Network.
The Intercultural Champions are:
- Ed Bampton, St Philip & St James, Groby and Ratby
- Ruth Scott, St Philip & St James, Groby
- Angie Cain, St Philip & St James, Ratby
- Bertin Hermo, Church of the Martyrs, Leicester
- Samy Jaramba, Church of the Martyrs, Leicester
- Steve Bailey, St Paul's, Oadby
- Kate Potter, St Paul's, Oadby
- Rupa Jayaraj, St Paul's, Oadby
- Jonathan Surridge, St Peter's Highfields, Leicester
- Chantal Griffin, St Christopher's, Leicester
- Meekail Gill, St Theodore's, Rushey Mead
- Sarah Gill, Leicester Cathedral
- Johannes Arens, St Andrew's, Jarrom Street
- Clare King, St Chad's, Leicester
- Dave Hover, St Crispin's, Braunstone Town
- Vijay Kumar, Parish of the Resurrection, Leicester
- Sunny George, All Saints, Belgrave
- Theresa Jackson, St Wilfrid's, Kibworth
- Matilde Fernandes, St Mary's, Hinckley
- Alastair Michaelwaite, Parish of the Transfiguration, Leicester
- Sneha Ninan, Rothley Broadnook
- Elaine Sutherland, Holy Trinity Leicester
- Riffat Zamurad, St Mary's Humberstone & Christ Church Thurnby Lodge
- Jan Zientek, Christ Church Leicester
- Coral Cole, St Mary's & St Barnabas, Leicester
- Kate Burns, All Saints, Loughborough
- Mehrad Khodadadi, All Saints, Loughborough
Join the First Intercultural Network Gathering
Everyone is welcome to attend the first Intercultural Network Gathering, taking place on Wednesday 23 September, 6pm, at St Martins House, Leicester.
The evening will include opportunities to connect with others, share practical ideas and experiences, and enjoy a meal together.
Registration details to follow soon.
For further information, contact jessie.tang@leicestercofe.org