Interfaith Scotland is the national interfaith organisation for Scotland.
We work to help ensure good relations between the diverse religion and belief communities of Scotland and also to share good practice in interfaith dialogue, education, engagement and training nationally and internationally.
First Minister John Swinney on Scottish Interfaith Week 2024
First Minister John Swinney shared his thoughts on the importance of Scottish Interfaith Week and celebrating Scotland’s diversity.
“I would like to thank Interfaith Scotland, as well as Scotland’s faith communities themselves, for your work in promoting community compassion and unity.
“Twenty years of Interfaith Week is a cause for celebration so please enjoy the festivities, the new friendships formed and the excellent conversations.”
Upcoming Events in 2024
Scottish Interfaith Week 2024
This year’s festival will be held from Monday 11 November to Monday 18 November. We will celebrate 20 years of Scottish Interfaith Week!
Anyone can host an event anywhere in Scotland. The theme for the week is ‘Discovery’. Find out more at www.scottishinterfaithweek.org
📌 Monday 11th – Monday 18th November 2024
National Interfaith Conference
To mark the 20th anniversary of Scottish Interfaith Week we are hosting a National Interfaith Conference as the festival launch event.
The conference is set to include a keynote address, a celebration of the first anniversary of Dundee City Council’s Faith Covenant, input from Interfaith Scotland’s youth board, the unveiling of the community tapestry, and workshops exploring the important issues facing our society today.
The festival theme of ‘Discovery’ is inspired by Dundee, the host city for our conference.
We believe that encouraging people to discover and learn about the lives of others is an effective way to challenge prejudice and misunderstanding both inside of us and in the world around us.
📌 Tuesday 12th November (11am-5pm), Dundee City Council Chambers, 19 City Square Dundee, DD1 3BY
Interfaith Conversation: Pilgrimage and Retreat
Would you like to hear unique stories about pilgrimages and retreats? Join our next Conversation Café.
You will get the opportunity to hear fascinating stories from our ‘human books’ about their life-transforming experience visiting world-renowned pilgrimage sites across the world, including Mecca in western Saudi Arabia, Santiago de Compostela in Spain, the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur, Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in India, and Holy Isle and Iona Abbey in Scotland.
We encourage participants who have visited a holy place or sacred site to bring one or two photos to share with others during the discussion session (a photo on your phone is good enough).
📌 Wednesday 13th November (11.30am-2pm), Dundee Quaker Meeting House (Ground Floor), 9 Whitehall Crescent, Dundee, DD1 4AR
Let’s Create a Nature Mandala
Join a relaxing and creative workshop where you will connect and create a mandala from nature.
This will be a prayer and meditation practice with the intention for peace and harmony between people of all faiths and none.
Collect natural fallen leaves, twigs, seeds from the gardens at the venue to create the mandala. You can even bring leaves, flowers etc. from your own garden – let’s make it as colourful and unique as possible! No experience needed, just bring your creativity and an open mind.
📌 Wednesday 13th November (1.30-3.30pm), The Hidden Gardens, Glasgow
Discover the Impact of Faith-based Climate Action
Discover the Impact of Faith-based Climate ActionJoin researcher Donna Fry and Interfaith Scotland Director Dr Maureen Sier to discover the impact of faith-based climate action.
Donna Fry’s research explores faith-based initiatives for COP26 and their impact on policy. This research was commissioned by Professor Mark Owen of the Centre of Religion, Reconciliation and Peace at the University of Winchester.
Dr Maureen Sier will discuss the climate work of Interfaith Scotland over the last few years, and the work of local interfaith groups and faith communities to address climate change.
📌 Wednesday 13th November (6.30-7.30pm), online
One Thousand Trees: Reforesting Scotland through Interfaith Climate Action
One Thousand Trees: Reforesting Scotland through Interfaith Climate ActionJoin Interfaith Scotland and Trees for Life for a special lunchtime event during Scottish Interfaith Week to learn about interfaith climate action and the power of trees.
Our Director Dr Maureen Sier will talk about interfaith climate action and how we reached the goal of planting one thousand trees in the World Interfaith Harmony Grove.
We will be joined by special guest Alan McDonnell from Trees for Life, the charity responsible for planting and caring for the World Interfaith Harmony Grove and many other groves in protected sites across the Highlands.
📌 Thursday 14th November (12.30-1.30pm), online
Workshop for Teachers: Supporting the Diverse Needs of Pupils from a Variety of Religions and Beliefs
Join our workshop for teachers who are keen to learn how to best support pupils from different faiths and beliefs.
In this session you will have an opportunity to develop your awareness of some of the diverse experiences and needs of pupils from a variety of different religions and beliefs, including dietary needs, fasting, holy days, festivals, prayer, clothing, religious symbols, participating in sport and physical contact.
We will discuss ways in which you might further understand and provide support for these diverse needs in your local settings so that pupils from these religions and beliefs can fully participate in their community whether at school, work or in wider society.
- Contact frances@interfaithscotland.org to book your place
You will be sent the Zoom link to join the event once your booking is confirmed.
📌 Thursday 14th November (4.30-6pm), online
Interfaith Interactions: Discover How to Plan Accessible Events
Interfaith Interactions: Discover How to Plan Accessible EventsWe invite you to join our online dialogue event to hear accessibility challenges experienced by two of our speakers when attending events.
We have also invited speakers from reputable support organisations to share practical tips and useful resources on how to plan accessible events.
There will be a short Q&A session with speakers, followed by an opportunity to dialogue in small groups.
📌 Monday 18th November (6.30-7.30pm), online
Wellbeing Pilgrimage Walk
Come join Interfaith Scotland on our wellbeing pilgrimage walk to four different places of worship in the west end of Glasgow.
We will learn how faith communities can support our positive wellbeing. There will be short talks, a guided meditation, and an opportunity to explore these beautiful places of worship.
We will hear from speakers of the Christian, Baha’i, Hindu and Sikh and take part in a short guided Buddhist meditation practice.
📌 Sunday 24th November (2-5.30pm), University of Glasgow Memorial Chapel, University of Glasgow
Public Training Courses
More training courses coming soon in 2024.
Interfaith Creative Projects
Faces of Faith Exhibition
Interested in hosting the exhibition at your venue? Contact frances@interfaithscotland.org
This exhibition is a showcase of Scotland’s diverse religious and cultural communities.
Through the stories of sixteen people, we explore the joys, challenges, and complexities of living as a person of faith in Scotland, and the impact these communities have on a local, national, and international level.
View the exhibition on the Scottish Interfaith Week website.
Poetry Book
We worked with the Scottish Poetry Library to create a beautiful anthology of 40 poems written by poets of all faiths and beliefs.
The poets shared insights into what gave them support and inspiration during the pandemic such as nature, faith and culture. You can read more here.
The poetry book is available to purchase from Interfaith Scotland for £4.99. Please email admin@interfaithscotland.org to request a copy.
Interfaith Scotland Magazines
We gather the most exciting interfaith news from across Scotland and publish the stories in a bi-annual magazine.
You can read the magazines online in the Newsletter section of our website.
