Celebrating the people powering Stockport: Meet Rev Dr Raj, bringing Stockport’s faiths and communities closer together

When Reverend Dr. Raj Patta moved to Stockport in 2017, he brought with him the simple belief that communities are stronger when people come together.

Nearly a decade later, that belief has helped grow the Stockport Multi-Faith Network into a place where people of different faiths, beliefs and backgrounds can connect over the community’s needs, act and support each other another. 

The network welcomes representatives from all faiths and none and works together to tackle some of the biggest issues facing Stockport residents, from poverty and hunger to community tensions.  

“The issues facing our communities are what connect us,” says Raj. “We all do faith differently, but we’ve learned to celebrate those differences, come together around our shared humanity and support our community’s needs, whether it’s tackling poverty or advocating for peace.” 

That commitment has made a real difference. During the COVID-19 pandemic, faith leaders worked together to share important health information and support people across the borough. They have also shown solidarity together against hate, supported communities affected by discrimination, and created safe spaces for difficult but important conversations. 

Raj is Minister for the United Stockport Circuit, overseeing Davenport Methodist Church and Dialstone Lane Methodist Church, and is inspired by the words of the founder of Methodist movement John Wesley, “the world is my parish, and every street corner is my pulpit”.  

He is also Co-Chair of the Greater Manchester Faith and Belief Panel, helping to bring people and organisations together across the city-region. However, he prefers to see his role as primarily a community one. 

“Our faith spaces are community spaces,” he says. “People come to us for many different reasons, and we don’t ask what faith they belong to. I’m here to serve thousands of Stockport residents – not just my congregation.” 

After almost ten years in the borough, Raj is a real advocate of Stockport and sees the borough not just as the place he lives and works in, but as a place he feels part of. 

“I’m proud to be a Stopfordian,” he says. “Wherever I travel, I talk about Stockport. The friendships, the communities and the spirit of the borough make it a special place.” 

It certainly is a special place, especially with residents like Raj making such a positive impact. 

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Across our borough, countless individuals are giving their time, sharing their skills and helping others to feel connected, supported and proud of where they live. We want to celebrate them.  

Do you know someone who’s making a difference in your community? Help us tell their story by nominating them for #WeAreOneStockport.  

Together, we’re celebrating the people who power Stockport – and showing what’s possible when we all play our part in creating One Stockport.