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Interfaith Scotland️ 11 hours ago

The Scottish Government's Faith and Belief Representatives' Group - a strategic forum that brings together a diverse range of religious and non-religious belief communities - has prepared a joint statement in the light of recent attacks in Scotland and throughout the UK. The group supports dialogue, collaboration and direct engagement with government, and plays an important role in strengthening interfaith relations and shaping collective responses on issues such as equality, community resilience and social cohesion across Scotland. Please see the statement below. The Scottish Government's Faith and Belief Representatives' Group Statement of Solidarity with Racially Minoritised Communities Following Recent Incidents The Scottish Government's Faith and Belief Representatives' Group expresses deep concern over the recent targeting of racially minoritised communities. While Scotland is widely celebrated as a welcoming, multicultural nation that embraces diversity, it is not immune from the divisive rhetoric taking hold across parts of the UK—a narrative that can lead individuals to violence. This alarming rise in hostility was starkly demonstrated by the recent knife attacks against five men in Edinburgh. Our thoughts remain with the victims and all victims of violence and hatred. Such acts affect not only those directly involved, but entire communities, creating fear and anxiety. Because of the deeply rooted relationships that define our communities, an attack on one community can feel like an attack on all of us. In a heartening response to the attacks in Edinburgh, faith and community leaders and local residents united in Leith to show that the local community welcomes everyone. Similarly, as representatives of different faith and belief groups, we stand shoulder to shoulder to reject the hateful narrative, which is so often stirred up online by those seeking to spread division. We also call upon our media colleagues to ensure that all forms of violence are equally condemned, avoiding any impression that some acts are more worthy of condemnation than others. We must continue to come together across all faiths and none to ensure that love, respect, and unity triumph over division, and that Scotland remains a safe, inclusive, and peaceful home for everyone.

Interfaith Scotland️ 16 hours ago

We are excited to announce that we have received funding from Religions for Peace UK to expand our Face to Faith school visit programme over the coming year. With their support we are able to offer programmes to schools across Scotland, with funding available to cover the cost of our speakers travelling to schools around the country including schools in remote regions. While the Face to Faith programme has been running since 2008, this funding will allow us to recruit and train more volunteer speakers and deliver sessions at a minimum of 10 new schools between September 2026 and May 2027. We are currently looking for both primary and secondary schools that would like to host a visit over the 2026-27 school year (free of charge). We are also looking for volunteers who would like to speak about their own faith background to groups of pupils (travel expenses covered). Volunteers will attend a training session facilitated by our staff team either in-person or online in August and September. A variety of types of presentations are available including school assemblies, classroom talks and interfaith day or half day sessions. Presentations can include an introduction to the core beliefs of the speaker's faith, how faith impacts their life and their personal faith story. Speakers can also talk on a theme from the perspective of their faith such as peace or climate change, demonstrating the common values across faiths. Pupils can ask questions directly to a friendly and approachable volunteer about their religion which can be significant in their journey of understanding, with an aim to increase empathy, break down barriers of fear and suspicion and challenge negative stereotypes. Schools or volunteers interested in the programme should get in touch with sydney@interfaithscotland.org.