Co-operating with People of Other Faiths and None

The United Reformed Church's National Synod of Scotland expresses its vision through a series of affirmations. These are not fixed in stone, but form a moving (and capable of being updated) vision statement. I am exploring these in turn in a series of brief articles. This piece reflects on the fifth aspiration, which focusses on our relationship with, and commitment to, people of OTHER FAITHS AND NONE. As a Synod we are committed to all who will work with us, from any faith or from no faith. The Synod is a participant in Interfaith Scotland. Many local Churches seek to build relationships with people of OTHER FAITHS AND NONE to nurture their local communities. We place great value on our common humanity and are happy to partner with others from all backgrounds and belief bases on any matters of common concern and in whatever way might be appropriate. That said, we are especially glad to work with other people of faith and value the things that we share. We therefore support and endorse the Statement of Mutual Commitment agreed by Scottish faith leaders at the September 2022 Interfaith Pilgrimage to the island of Iona. This stated: “WE, representatives of the Scottish Religious Leaders' Forum, meeting on the holy and historic Island of Iona, mark this, the twentieth anniversary of the Forum by restating our commitment to work together. We share this land of Scotland with people of diverse cultures, religions and beliefs. We know that our lives are connected closely to the lives of others around the world and to the earth, our common home. Yet we know that in this beautiful land many live in poverty, as do millions more around the world and we recognise that our way of life and over consumption is causing environmental damage and harm to all. We also acknowledge with sadness the suffering caused by prejudice, discrimination and war and recognise that religious discord has, at times, contributed to this suffering. With all our hearts and humility; 1. We commit to continuing to build good interfaith relations and trust across Scotland and beyond 2. We also commit to working with others to actively respond to the climate crisis; • by emphasising the importance of caring for the earth highlighted in our scriptures • by doing our utmost to live sustainably and encouraging our communities to do the same • by joining with others to convince those in positions of authority and influence to act urgently to implement the agreements made at Cop26 in Glasgow in 2021 3. And finally, we commit to walk alongside and listen to local communities across Scotland and beyond that are facing many and diverse challenges, such as poverty, displacement, uncertainty and disorientation in a time of bewildering change. We share these words on the Isle of Iona, an island that is beautiful and sacred, but with a violent history, and which today is exposed to rising sea levels due to climate change. This Island stands as a metaphor for humanity, and other life on earth: vulnerable, sacred and to be cherished and loved but not abused and exploited. Inspired by this place we make this declaration.”