Celebrating Community: Scottish Interfaith Week 2023
Scotland is a nation rich with culture and diversity, though we rarely have the opportunity to celebrate this strength.
Scottish Interfaith Week is an accessible and exciting way to learn more about the communities around us and befriend our neighbours.
The festival starts on Sunday 12th November and groups across Scotland will host events to celebrate the week.
Director of Interfaith Scotland, Dr Maureen Sier said:
“Organisations and local groups from the Northern Isles to the Scottish Borders will host events throughout the festival week to explore the theme of ‘community’ and bring people from all faiths and none together.”
“We are delighted to be hosting the launch event for Scottish Interfaith Week in partnership with Aberdeen Interfaith Group who are celebrating their 30th anniversary. The Lord Provost of Aberdeen Councillor David Cameron will also attend the private event at Aberdeen Town House in support of the festival.”
“Interfaith Scotland will host events throughout the week including a tour of local places of worship in Glasgow and online events tackling loneliness, seeking climate justice, and exploring spiritual community.”
“As we look forward to another successful festival, we want to thank everyone across Scotland who embraces Scottish Interfaith Week and works hard to break down barriers which divide communities. We are stronger when we celebrate our differences and strive for change together.”
The busy festival programme includes a conference on children’s spirituality by Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, a civic reception at Glasgow City Chambers, visits to historical archives, and a multi-faith service at St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh.
More events will be added to the programme in the lead up to the festival launch.
You can view the festival programme on www.scottishinterfaithweek.org
Interfaith Scotland’s events for Scottish Interfaith Week 2023
Launch of Scottish Interfaith Week
Celebrating Scottish Interfaith Week and the 30th Anniversary of the Aberdeen Interfaith Group.
- This event is by invitation only.
📌 Monday 13th November, 5.30 – 7.30pm (Aberdeen Town House)
Tackling Loneliness in our Communities
This online conference is being held to highlight the issue of loneliness by discussing the Scottish Government Policy on Loneliness; the action that faith communities do and can take to tackle loneliness and to explore proposals for the future. Read the government’s updated strategy.
We know that faith communities play a significant role in supporting people who feel lonely and isolated, so it is important we take this opportunity to consider the issues and differing roles.
📌 Wednesday 15th November, 4.30-6pm (Online)
Interfaith Interactions: Online Dialogue on Community
Our online dialogue event in the Interfaith Interactions series will feature speakers from three different spiritual communities on the Scottish Interfaith Week theme of ‘Community’.
This will be followed by an opportunity to dialogue in small groups.
The event is free and is taking place on Zoom.
📌 Wednesday 15th November, 7 – 8.15pm (Online)
Faith Communities and Climate Justice
We are hosting an event with the Scottish Episcopal Church to explore the topic of climate justice in faith communities.
This event will be in conversation and dialogue with Bishop Ian Paton.
Bishop Ian Paton is the Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane in the Scottish Episcopal Church, and serves as the Convener of the SEC Provincial Environment Group, working towards achieving General Synod’s commitment in 2020 to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions in the SEC by 2030.
📌 Thursday 16th November, 6.15 – 7.30pm (Online)
Meet Your Neighbour: Walking Together Visiting Places of Worship in Glasgow
An opportunity to walk with friends and neighbours and visit our neighbouring places of worship in the West End of Glasgow.
At each place of worship we will be told a story before moving on, finishing at the Gurdwara in Berkeley Street where we can enjoy Langar (vegetarian meal) together.
Please bring a headscarf for the Gurdwara (applies to all genders). Shoes must be removed at the Gurdwara and Mandir. Cigarettes, alcohol and meat are not permitted in many of the places of worship.
View full programme: Meet Your Neighbour – Scottish Interfaith Week
- No booking required. This event is open to all and free of charge.
📌 Saturday 25th November, 2 – 6pm (meeting point is St Aloysius Church, 25 Rose Street, Glasgow)