Interfaith relations

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Here, you can find information about our connections with other faith communities.

At the heart of interfaith relations is the desire to connect with Scotland's diverse faith communities through authentic dialogue, humble solidarity and loving service. Across our differences we have much to share.

The commandment to love our neighbour drives the Church of Scotland's partnership and dialogue with members of other faiths. In doing so, we aim to:

  • Listen to and understand the experiences and challenges of other faith communities
  • Know where we might be able to help or collaborate on shared issues
  • Act in solidarity as allies in tackling the discrimination faced by other faith communities through education, advocacy and awareness raising

The General Assembly in 2014 called for the national Church, presbyteries and local churches to reach out to other faith communities. In 2016 the post of Interfaith Programme Officer was established in order to advise, encourage and facilitate interfaith engagement across the Church.

Interfaith Partners

The Church of Scotland works with a number of local, national and international interfaith groups, projects, partners and organisations which empower and enable interfaith connections and networks to flourish in Scotland, the UK and internationally.

We are members of the following interfaith organisations and ecumenical bodies which resource interfaith engagement:

Jewish-Christian Glossary Project

In 2020 the Church of Scotland and the Office of the Chief Rabbi embarked on a project to create a Jewish Christian glossary of words and terms that members of both religions use but understand and hear in different ways. We chose words that relate in particular to issues, theology and beliefs in Israel and Palestine, alongside more general theological terms.

The full version of the glossary is now available to read. Video of Rabbi David Mason speaking about the project at the 2022 General Assembly is available below.

Get involved

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Events

Explore the events section of the Church of Scotland website for information on upcoming interfaith events.

Interfaith Week

This year Scottish Interfaith Week will be held from 13 - 22 November.

The theme for 2022 is 'Storytelling,' to tie in with Scotland's Year of Stories. For more information about this year's Interfaith Week, including funding and ideas about how to run your own event, please go to Scottish Interfaith Week Website.

Islamophobia Awareness Month

November is Islamophobia Awareness Month in the UK. The Church of Scotland is an active supporter of Islamophobia Awareness Month, which seeks to support Muslim communities across the UK in fighting anti-Muslim hatred.

There is no place for hatred aimed at anyone in our society, and as one of the main faith traditions in Scotland we have a duty to tackle the ignorance, fear and misinformation that feeds it.

For more information on events, webinars and how to get involved please visit the Islamophobia Awareness Month website.