Scottish Inter Faith Week event at Holyrood

30 November 2005

Presiding Officer George Reid accepted a gift on behalf of the Parliament

Representatives of Scotland's faith communities gathered at the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 30 November to mark Scottish Inter Faith Week.

Welcoming guests to the event, Presiding Officer George Reid said:

"When I read through the literature of the Scottish Inter Faith Council, I was struck by how similar your goals are with those of the Scottish Parliament.

"Words and phrases such as ‘inclusive', ‘mutual understanding', ‘neutral forum where representatives can meet on a basis of equality', ‘opportunities' and ‘dialogue and conversation'.

"These are evident through our four key principles - especially our aspiration to be open, transparent and to encourage participation and to fully operate under an equal opportunities framework."

Other speakers included the Convener of the Scottish Inter Faith Council, Dianna Wolfson; Maariya Masud of the council's Youth Steering Committee, and the Minister for Communities, Malcolm Chisholm MSP. The Edinburgh Inter Faith Choir performed for guests in the Garden Lobby.

The Inter Faith Council presented the Parliament with a framed compilation of quotations from their respective scriptures which support the values engraved on the Scottish Mace - justice, wisdom, integrity, and compassion.

Accepting the gift, George Reid said: "This is a reminder not just of this evening, but will remain in the Parliament for all time".

The series of Inter Faith events throughout Scotland promotes dialogue, understanding and cooperation between religious communities, and the Holyrood occasion coincided with St Andrew's Day.