Interreligious Dialogue Webinar

The Bishops' Conference of Scotland Committee for Interreligious Dialogue hosts its two-part annual colloquium event online on Friday 24 November 2023 at 7pm. Register by emailing joseph.sikora@bcos.org.uk

The colloquium serves as an adult faith formation opportunity for members of the Catholic community interested in the work of interreligious dialogue, those Catholics active in Interreligious Dialogue, and those who would like to learn more on how become involved.

It will explore the Church’s teaching and history of Dialogue in the context of both the Scottish and Global Church experience. Our theme this year is “with the living God at the Centre”, looks to explore the role of “religious experience” in interreligious dialogue.

The second part will take place on 23-24 February 2024 at the Conforti Centre in Coatbridge. Register by emailing joseph.sikora@bcos.org.uk

Interreligious Dialogue Colloquium 2024

The Bishops' Conference of Scotland Committee for Interreligious Dialogue hosts its annual colloquium event on 23-24 February 2024 at the Conforti Centre in Coatbridge. Register by emailing joseph.sikora@bcos.org.uk

Rev Professor Will Storrar will offer a keynote speech and facilitate both events.

The colloquium serves as an adult faith formation opportunity for members of the Catholic community interested in the work of interreligious dialogue, those Catholics active in Interreligious Dialogue, and those who would like to learn more on how become involved.

It will explore the Church’s teaching and history of Dialogue in the context of both the Scottish and Global Church experience. Our theme this year is “with the living God at the Centre”, looks to explore the role of “religious experience” in interreligious dialogue.

Prof Will Storrar 

The common thread in Will’s varied career is lifelong learning about the power of collaboration for the common good.

He directs the Centre of Theological Inquiry in Princeton, where visiting researchers harness the power of transdisciplinary thinking on global concerns. His publications include “A World for All?” on global civil society, and “Yours the Power” on faith-based organizing in the USA. Will is an Honorary Professor of Edinburgh University.

WATCH: 'Care workers in Scotland deserve better pay'

Archbishop Leo Cushley has highlighted concerns over low pay for care workers in Scotland.

He spoke on Saturday at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, attending as ecumenical representative for the Bishops' Conference of Scotland.

Transcript
Just a few weeks ago the then moderator Dr Iain Greenshields and Archbishop Bill Nolan, my colleague of Glasgow, addressed a meeting to express our churches’ shared concern for care workers.

There are also too few care workers in our country in part because they are so poorly paid.

We all know that the work is intense, emotionally taxing, intimate and time consuming.

Our two churches and their high representatives therefore wish to draw attention to what is called the Fair Pay for Social Care Campaign and I encourage ministers and other faith leaders here today to consider signing the online petition.

A simple but vivid illustration of how our churches have been working together as friends and as brothers and sisters in Christ through our shared understanding of the dignity of the human person and our wish to promote the common good in our land.

Rev Dr George Whyte made Papal Knight

The Rev Dr George Whyte has been honoured for his commitment to dialogue between the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church.

He was invested as a Papal Knight of the Order of St Gregory the Great by Archbishop Leo Cushley at St Bennet's in Edinburgh on Tuesday (24 January).

He said: “I was both extremely surprised and deeply touched when Archbishop Cushley presented with me my Knighthood at a dinner within his home which he had given to mark my time as Principal Clerk.

"It has been a privilege to work with Catholic colleagues throughout my ministry."

Friendship

He added: "In recent times, I have greatly valued the cooperation and friendship of the Archbishop and his colleagues as we worked together on issues of common concern such as our response to the pandemic.

"This thoughtful gesture is a sign of how we have grown together as denominations – a closeness which was expressed more publicly in the St Margaret Declaration signed at last year’s General Assembly.”

The Pontifical Equestrian Order of St Gregory the Great is one of five categories of papal knighthood of the Holy See, in which recipients are made either knights or dames. It was established by Pope Gregory XVI in 1831.

The honour is bestowed in recognition of  personal service to the Holy See and to the Church, through good work and the good example they set in communities and countries.

Archbishop Cushley said: "I was delighted the Holy Father welcomed my request to have George honoured in this way.

"We hope that people in our communities will continue to grow in faith, respect and brotherly and sisterly respect for each other."

Group picture, above (l-r): Canon Jeremy Bath, Vicar Episcopal for Ecumenism for the Archdiocese, Sr Anna Marie McGuan RSM, catechetical advisor for the Archdiocese, Rev Dr John McPake, Ecumenical Officer of the Church of Scotland, Moira Whyte, her husband the Rev Dr George Whyte, Archbishop Leo Cushley, the Rev Fiona Smith, Principal Clerk of the General Assembly, her husband Andrew Smith, Ann Mulligan DCS, Elspeth Atkinson, chief operating officer for the Archdiocese.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity takes place from from Wednesday 18 to Wednesday 25 January.

It is organised by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) and this year’s theme is praying for unity amidst injustice.

Dr Nicola Brady, General Secretary of CTBI said: "For this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity we are guided by the churches of Minneapolis as we seek to explore how the work of Christian unity can contribute to the promotion of racial justice across all levels of society.

"Through this resource, the CTBI writers’ group has also focused our attention on the 30th anniversary ofthe murder of Stephen Lawrence, which we mark this year.

"The work of restoring hope through justice undertaken in Stephen’s memory continues to inspire and change lives for the better.

"As we join with other Christians around the world for this year’s Week of Prayer we pray that our hearts will be open to see and hear the many ways in which racism
continues to destroy lives, and to discern the steps we can take as individuals and communities to heal the hurts and build a better future for everyone."

Prayer

God of justice, Empower us to be agents of your grace and mercy Bless us with the courage to relinquish our power. Bless us with the humility to stand with the oppressed. Bless us with the integrity to love our neighbours as we ourselves would seek to be loved.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity ,18-25 January. Resources and info at www.ctbi.org.uk/weekofprayer

WATCH: Archbishop discusses St Margaret Declaration

Archbishop Leo Cushley speaks recently (Wed 21 Sep) about the recent landmark commitment of friendship and unity between the Catholic Church in Scotland and the Church of Scotland, the St Margaret Declaration.

This event was organised by the  Edinburgh Jesuit Centre at Sacred Heart Church, Edinburgh (small hall) and was livestreamed on YouTube. (Watch below or here).

The event launches a programme of talks between September and December at the Edinburgh Jesuit Centre - see here for more details.

My Faith and Scotland

Is Scotland a tolerant country for people of faith? What has been the experience of Christians and Muslims? Register here to join us for a fascinating insight into life as a person of faith in Scotland in 2022, as our speakers lay out the obstacles and opportunities and share the story of 'My Faith in Scotland'.

Share your own experience at this event in which people of all faiths and none are warmly invited.

Speakers

Host

Event organised by the Commission for Ecumenism & Interfaith Dialogue of the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh.

WATCH: Churches working together in West Lothian

Fr Jeremy Bath and Rev Hanneke Janse van Vuren discuss relations between their churches in West Lothian.

Fr Jeremy is a Catholic Priest at Ss John Cantius & Nicholas in Broxburn (linked with St Philomena in Winchburgh). Rev Hanneke is a Church of Scotland Minister at Strathbock Parish Church in Uphall.

Fr Jeremy is Vicar Episcopal for the Archdiocesan Commission for Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue. Meet the commission members here. Above footage: Tern TV.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: 18-25 January

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2022 begins on Tuesday 18 January. It is an annual ecumenical celebration when Christians around the world are invited to pray together for unity.

Materials for the Week have been prepared by the churches of the Middle East (available here) and this year's theme is 'We Saw His Star in the East'.

Events include:

The service will streamed on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/CityofEdinburghMethodistChurchOnlineWorship 

Ecumenical group Churches Together in Britain and Ireland state: "The Middle East is still characterised by conflict and strife, tainted with blood and darkened by injustice and oppression.

"The Christians of the Middle East offer these resources conscious that the world shares many of the travails and much of the difficulties that it experiences, and yearns for a light to lead the way to the Saviour who is the light that overcomes darkness."

Our Commission for Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue, led by Fr Jeremy Bath, has also made available resources here.

Is your parish hosting an ecumenical service? Share what's happening with matthew.meade@staned.org.uk

EVENT: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins on Monday 18 January. This year's theme is Abiding in Christ. Below we explain what the week is about, how you can get involved and the resources available.

What is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity?

It's an ecumenical Christian event celebrated annually and internationally. It began in 1908 to help strengthen the ecumenical ties between denominations and encourage a sense of mutual support.

Tell me more

Here's a message from Fr Jeremy Bath, our Vicar Episcopal for Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue (parish priest at Ss John Cantius & Nicholas, Broxburn).

 

This year's theme

This year's theme is “Abide in my love and you shall bear much fruit”. It is based on John 15:1-17 and was chosen by the monastic community of Grandchamp. It expresses that community’s vocation to prayer, reconciliation and unity in the church and the human family.

What resources are available?

The main resource is the Abiding in Christ pamphlet, available to download here.

Message from Archbishop Cushley

Archbishop Cushley joined the Moderator of the Church of Scotland to issue this message.

Why should Catholics be involved?

Catholics are involved in ecumenism because we believe that when Christians are divided it is a scandal to the world and it makes the message of Jesus less credible. As Catholics, we seek to know the person of Jesus Christ and bring others to know him too. Christ is always at the centre of the ecumenical endeavour: as we draw closer to the centre, we then draw closer to one another.

Prayer

Thrice-holy God, we thank you for having created and loved us.
We thank you for your presence in us and in creation.
May we learn to look upon the world as you look upon it, with love.
In the hope of this vision, may we be able to work for a world where justice and peace flourish, for the glory of your name.

From the booklet for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

What else is happening?

While it's not part of the Week of Prayer, you can tune into Reflections at the Quay, an ecumenical prayer service on BBC1 Scotland this Sunday at 11:30am It's presented by the Reverend Jane Denniston, of Campsie Parish Church, and our own Father John Deighan, of St Machan’s, Lennoxtown.

Call to prayer

Also on Sunday there is the weekly call to prayer, where Christians of all denominations are invited to come together at 7pm to pray for all those affected by Covid-19. The prayer is signed by Archbishop Leo Cushley. Read it here.

Online event (I)

The Bishops' Conference of Scotland and the Ahl Al-Bait Scotland Society host an online conference on Monday 01 February, 5-7pm. It's titled Human Fraternity for Peace and Living Together*. The event marks the signing of the document on Human Fraternity by Pope Francis and Sheikh Al Azhar. Keynote speakers are Dr Mohammad Ali Shomali and Cardinal Michael Fitzgerald. To register, click here.

*This is not part of the Week of Prayer but will be of interest to those interested in interfaith relations.

Online event (II)

The Moderator of the Church of Scotland hosts an online presentation and discussion for the ecumenical charity Grasping the Nettle on Wednesday 20 January at 7.30 pm. It's titled Neuroscience Meets the God of the Letter to the Colossians. Register and find out more here.

Read (I)

Ecumenism: Fr Jeremy Bath recommends this book for the Week of prayer for Christian Unity: Tomorrow's Christian, by Fr Adrian B Smith, a priest who has worked in the Vatican Secretariat for Christian Unity. More here

Read (II)

Interfaith: Christology is one of the most contentious subjects in Christian-Muslim relations, but Fr Robert Afayori, parish priest at St Mary's in Stirling tackles the subject head on in his book Christology in Christian-Muslim Dialogue. Find out more here.

Find out more about the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity here.