LUTON, Bedfordshire – Faith leaders, community representatives, and civic partners gathered at St Mary’s Church, Luton to celebrate the ministry and retirement of The Rt Revd Richard Atkinson OBE, Bishop of Bedford, and to thank him for more than fourteen years of dedicated service to Bedfordshire’s diverse communities.
As a host, after welcoming everyone to St Mary’s Church, Luton the Vicar Revd Canon Mike Jones said: “One of the great gifts Bishop Richard has given us is the confidence to sit face to face, acknowledge our differences and still work together for justice, peace and the flourishing of our communities. His friendship has been deeply appreciated, and his contribution to St Mary's, Luton and Bedfordshire will be remembered with gratitude.”
Reflecting on his years in Bedfordshire, Bishop Richard described interfaith community engagement as being at the heart of his ministry. He thanked communities across the county for their friendship, hospitality and shared commitment to peace and justice.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” he said. “Our fellowship has been at the heart of my journey in Bedfordshire. Together we have shown that we can celebrate our differences, remain faithful to our own traditions, and still work side by side to build the kind of society that reflects the goodness, peace and wellbeing that God intends.”
Bishop Richard highlighted examples of interfaith collaboration including the annual Peace Walks, support for communities during the Covid-19 pandemic, responses to extremism and hate, and joint vigils following national and international tragedies.
Prof. Zafar Khan, Chair of the Luton Council of Faiths, said: “Bishop Richard has been far more than a friend. He has been a leader, a motivator and a source of encouragement for those working to build understanding between communities. Interfaith work is not always easy and its value is not always understood. Bishop Richard has consistently stood alongside us, offering wisdom, and his commitment to strengthen our shared efforts to make Luton and Bedfordshire places where people of all faiths and backgrounds can flourish together.”
Referring to his contributions, particularly in Luton, Prof. Khan said, “Bishop Richard recognised that Luton is not simply one community, but a community of communities, and he helped us appreciate both what we share in common and what we can learn from our differences.”
Several faith leaders described Bishop Richard as a trusted friend, bridge-builder and advocate for understanding. Many reflected on his willingness to visit places of worship, listen with humility, and stand alongside communities during both celebrations and difficult times.
One tribute noted that “He is the first ever Bishop with whom we worked so closely.” Another described him as “a bishop for the whole town.” Representatives from across the faith spectrum presented gifts and messages of appreciation, recognising Bishop Richard’s contribution to fostering mutual respect, community cohesion and interfaith understanding.
Concluding the evening, the Venerable Dave Middlebrook, Archdeacon of Bedford, said, “What we have heard this evening is testimony to a ministry rooted in humility and service. Bishop Richard has helped nurture a community of communities, creating spaces where faith groups, public bodies and voluntary organisations have been able to build trust and work together for the common good. That will be one of his enduring legacies.”
Prof. Zafar Khan (L), Chair of the Luton Council of Faiths, presented Bishop Richard with a certificate of apprecation for his outstanding services to different faith communities in Luton and Bedfordshire.
Prof. Zafar Khan (L), Chair of the Luton Council of Faiths, crowned Bishop Richard with Luton traditional Boater Hat, made locally.
Shri Guru Ravidass Sangat, Luton honoured Bishop Richard with a ‘Siropa’ presentation, which is the hightest token of respect bestowed upon an individual in Sikh religion.
Shri Guru Ravidass Sangat, Luton honoured Bishop Richard with a ‘Siropa’ presentation, which is the hightest token of respect bestowed upon an individual in Sikh religion.
Revd Anne Crosby (L), Vicar of the Parish of St Anne's with St Christopher's (Round Green) in Luton, and serves as an Assistant Area Dean of Luton, presented Bishop Richard with a jar of Luton Honey.
Mr Abul Akhtar (L) from Bury Park Jamie Masjid in Luton presented Bishop Richard with a Lantern.
Mr. Jasbir Singh (L) from Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Luton presented Bishop Richard with a souvenir gift of ‘Kirpan’. He explained that a Kirpan is not a dagger: it is a small ceremonial blade and the name Kirpan comes from Punjabi language words kirpa (grace, mercy, compassion) and aan (honour, dignity). Since 1699, initiated Sikhs have been both permitted and required by their faith to carry it worldwide, as a symbol of responsibility, not violence. He thanked Bishop Richard for his support and visit reassuring Luton Sikh community when innocent Sikhs were being targeted across the country following the sentencing of Vickrum Digwa, whose alleged use of a knife resulted in the tragic death of Henry Nowak.
Mr Janaka Alahapperuma (L) from Luton Buddhist community, presented gifts to Bishop Richard in a bag with a title “Amazing People Deserve Beautiful Things.”
Referring to Hindu festival Diwali celebrations, Mr Yoesh Mistry (L) from Shree Sanatan Seva Samaj Luton Hindu Temple and Community Centre in Lewsey Farm, presented Bishop Richard with a set of tradition candles as a sign of light, wisdom and new beginnings.
Revd Charmaine Mhlanga (R), Minister at Sundon Park Baptist Church admired Bishop Richard’s courage, consistency and a deep commitment to shared values, and presented him with Peace Candles.
Mr Marek Lubelski (L), Head of the Social Justice Unit at Luton Borough Council, recognised Bishop Richard not only as a faith leader, but as a trusted civic partner whose influence extended far beyond the Church into the wider life of Luton and Bedfordshire.
Mohammad Tariq of Insipre FM presented Bishop Richard with pic memoirs and souvenirs and thanked him for always being present, approachable and engaged with local communities.
Keyur Routela (L), representing BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, said: “Our Guru teaches that unity is found in recognising what connects us while respecting our differences. Bishop Richard has embodied that principle throughout his ministry. It was especially moving to hear him speak about seeing the divine in another person. That reflects a value we hold deeply, and he has not only spoken about it but lived it through his relationships with people of different faiths and backgrounds.”
The Rt Revd Richard Atkinson OBE, Bishop of Bedford, addressing a gathering of faith leaders at his farewell event, held on 5th Nov’26 at St Mary’s Church, Luton.