Scottish Catholic Observer

Cardinal Keith O’Brien, president of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, visited his Muslim neighbours last Saturday as one of the highlights of Edinburgh’s Inter Faith Week programme.

The cardinal was present at the city’s Blackhall Mosque for the first time alongside Sir Tom Farmer as the Muslim community welcomed those of all faiths for an open afternoon.

Speaking enthusiastically about the visit and some of the opportunities offered by Inter Faith Week, the cardinal said that he had been ‘deeply privileged to meet with many Muslim friends in Scotland and across the world over many years.’

“I am grateful to have been invited to visit the new Blackhall Mosque in Edinburgh and to witness the Muslim community thriving,” he added.

Getting to know faiths

Prior to meeting the community the cardinal said that he was looking forward to ‘seeing their Saturday school activities and in particular meeting many of their young people.’

“I’m also greatly looking forward to sitting with my Muslim friends, getting to know each other better and sharing food together,” the cardinal said.

The cardinal took time out to speak to members of the community including Imam Shahbaz Ahmad from the mosque. He also enjoyed lively discussions with some of the youngsters who were interested to learn more about the ‘cardinals’ ring’ he was wearing.

Following a question and answer session Cardinal O’Brien was the grateful recipient of a bouquet of flowers, presented to him by five-year-old Sumayah Ahad.

Diverse but united

Organisers of the Inter Faith Week activities in Edinburgh had encouraged Christian practitioners from across denominations in the city to join the cardinal at Blackhall Mosque, an invitation that many were happy to accept.

“One of our aims is to bring people together from the many diverse faiths and cultures here in our city,” Victor Spence, general secretary of the Edinburgh Inter Faith Association, said. “We recall the wonderful reception Cardinal O’Brien received when he visited Annandale Street Mosque and the Sikh Gurdwara in Leith.

“We are delighted to be working with the cardinal and Blackhall Mosque in this Inter Faith Week and bringing people of different faiths and cultures together to share hospitality and friendship.

“Cardinal O’Brien regularly demonstrates his commitment to inter faith dialogue and relationship building among the people of all religions here in our city. On this occasion the cardinal is taking the opportunity to meet with his Muslim friends. The cardinal is demonstrating his commitment to further developing good inter faith relations locally and globally.”

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PIC: PAUL McSHERRY

Representing the Church and discussing religious matters

Cardinal Keith O’Brien represented the Catholic Church at the 2010 Conference of Edinburgh’s Religious Leaders and Faith community representatives on Thursday November 25.

The conference, which included 30 of the city’s religious leaders, takes place annually during Inter Faith Week and this year’s discussions at the City Chambers focused on a range of issues including the Scottish Government’s Equalities Update and Edinburgh City Council’s budget review and cuts that will affect the care of the elderly.

Fergus Ewing MSP, Scottish Government Minister for Community Safety, attended the event and addressed the capital’s faith leaders.

The recent visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the UK, a visit which began in Edinburgh, was also discussed at the conference.

Representatives of all the major faiths and their denominations were present in Edinburgh including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Bahai, Brahma Kumaris, Buddhism, Hindu, Pagan, Sikh, Quaker and Unitarian.