To celebrate Inter Faith Week from 12 to 19 November, the Revd Lindsey Sanderson of the Hamilton and East Kilbride Joint Pastorate, reflects on an evening of faith and fellowship held at Rutherglen URC, South Lanarkshire, Glasgow.

Jointly organised by the National Synod of Scotland and their Muslim friends at the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society (SABS), around 60 members of both groups enjoyed the gathering.

‘The evening built on the growing relationship between the Synod and the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society,’ says Lindsey. ‘It was an opportunity for members of both faith communities to hear more about each other’s faith and practice, and for individuals to meet one another.’

Shabir Beg, Chairman of SABS, added: ‘In the warmth of company and a gathering of knowledge, human relationships developed in a single night. Our community and youth now look ahead to what we might collectively accomplish as we hope to continue this work together.’

Speakers from the synod focused on the three words of our denomination – United, Reformed and Church.

The Revd David Pickering, Moderator of the Synod of Scotland, shared his definition of Church – a gathered community of faithful people rather than a building. 

The Revd David Coleman, of Greenock West URC, in Renfrewshire, spoke about what ‘Reformed’ meant to him, highlighting the importance of the Reformation in providing scripture in the vernacular, justification by faith in grace alone, and the always reforming nature of the reformed tradition. 

‘I spoke about what the word ‘united’ means to me,’ added Lindsey.  ‘It means being an inclusive community, able and committed to working with others but not necessarily doing everything the same way.’  

Ameed Versace, chair of SABS’ Lady Sughra Society, and Asif Sheikh, SABS’ interreligious coordinator, spoke about Shia Islam. 

Mr Sheikh offered an introduction to the five pillars of Shia Islam. He spoke about the daily practice of faith with its emphasis on prayer, fasting, charitable giving and pilgrimage. 

‘Everyone commented on the warmth of the occasion,’ continued Lindsey. ‘One of the synod’s aspirations is to understand and work with people of other faiths and to conclude the event one member of the SABS shared the words of Imām ʿAlī b. Abī Ṭālib: ‘Man is either your brother in faith, or your equal in humanity.’