25/04/2024
On Saturday 20 April, the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell visited St George’s Crypt, whose mission is to meet the need of homeless and vulnerable people in Leeds. His visit as the organisation’s Patron formed part of a weekend of mission marking the 10th anniversary of the Diocese of Leeds where he met with clergy and their communities in different settings.
Chris Fields, the Chief Executive at St George’s Crypt, said:
“At the heart of everything we do is the practical demonstration of Christ's love. This hasn't changed since 1930, and it continues to be our guiding light. It has been great to be able to show Archbishop Stephen around the Crypt, and highlight how we demonstrate this love in all aspects of our work. From the moment someone comes through our door, we treat them with love, kindness, compassion; we see the face of Jesus in everyone we serve, and it has been an honour to share this with our Patron.”
St George's Crypt has been supporting homeless and vulnerable people in the city of Leeds since 1930. During that time, the Crypt has developed a range of innovative models of provision that support homeless people at every stage of their journey from chaos to citizenship. These models of care, culminating in brand new, bespoke supported accommodation solutions that develop people to the point that they are able to sustain their own long-term tenancies, set the precedent for the new foundation of development that the Crypt is undertaking. Underpinning all of this is the core mission of St George's Crypt; to meet the need of homeless and vulnerable people in Leeds.
Archbishop Stephen said:
“The roots of the Christian faith go deep in this lovely bit of Yorkshire. This is a diocese that I know and love. We are all created in the image of God, unique and loved as his children. The staff at St George’s Crypt practically demonstrate that love to all who come through their doors and I'm praying that God will richly bless this work as they help to give people back their dignity and self worth”
For further information on the anniversary celebrations, please see the website for the Diocese of Leeds