Fayaz, the Vicar of the Emmanuel Centre in West Bolton’s BL3 postcode, doesn’t fit the stereotypical picture of a Vicar.

He’s not white, bumbling and out-of-touch, but a dark-skinned gifted leader who’s switched on to what’s happening in the locality.

I recently visited the vibrant multi-ethnic church which he leads and noticed that whatever the Home Secretary might say, multi-culturalism is alive and well and positively thriving in Bolton.

The church service at Emmanuel was in English, Farsi and Urdu languages, with my talk translated as I spoke. People wore a mix of clothes from casual western dress to Indian sarees.

The congregation was of mixed ages, from families with babies and children through to the elderly.

The prayers were prayed by women and men, some of which were in languages I didn’t understand, but I certainly felt their emotion as they called out to God with passion and fervour. There was still reverence as new believers were baptised in water, and confirmed with hands laid, but this then changed to joyful celebration as their commitment was celebrated with clapping, certificates and gifts, and afterwards with swaying dance and wonderful food in the post-service party.

Fayaz certainly leads a church family rich in colour, vibrant in culture and brimming with creativity.

One thing that touched me was a surprise gift presented to me during the service. It was a beautiful turban given by male elders who came forward and placed it on my head, as a sign of welcome and honour. I was moved and grateful.

The service at Emmanuel reiterated for me what I’d said the previous week on BBC Radio Manchester, when interviewed about multi-culturalism. While there are all sorts of views on immigration, we don’t have to travel far to realise that we live in a multi-ethnic world, which makes life rich and interesting.

This cultural diversity is to be celebrated and enjoyed, as it opens our minds, hearts and stomachs to new experiences and wonderful people.

At the end of the Bible it says that in eternity people from all ethnic backgrounds will bring their cultural worship before the throne of Jesus Christ. I love that. And I’m grateful to people like Fayaz and his church for modelling this so well in BL3. They show us that we can mix and celebrate cultural diversity and also be one.