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April 2006 E-Bulletin
April 3, 2006
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Religious leaders unite against world crises
Religious leaders met in Aberdeen on 28th March to discuss "the
best ways to achieve unity and diversity" and how to respond to
national religious matters. The event was supported by the Scottish Interfaith
Council, hosted by the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Most
Rev Bruce Cameron, and attended by representatives of Christianity, Judaism,
Hinduism, Islam, Ba'hai, Sikhism and Buddhism.
(Full
story from Aberdeen Press and Journal.)
Christian and Muslim academics meet in Washington DC
A fifth ‘Building Bridges’ seminar involving senior Christian and Muslim leaders met in Washington DC last week, chaired by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams.
More than thirty Christian and Muslim scholars from across the world held detailed discussions over three days; the theme of this year's seminar was 'Justice and Rights: Christian and Muslim Perspectives'. The focus of the seminar moved from Scriptural Foundations to Evolving Traditions to The Modern World.
Participants considered questions such as how Christians and Muslims have understood the role of political authority in the light of the justice of God, and how the responsibility of political authority for the unity of society can be reconciled with what has come to be known as the 'right to religious freedom'.
Dr Williams said in a brief statement: "Muslims and Christians share a central concern for justice and human dignity but have often understood very differently how these are to be embodied in political life ... This meeting is a very special opportunity to bring these understandings into closer dialogue, in the interests of a stable and just world."
As with previous ‘Building Bridges’ seminars between Muslim and Christians, it is hoped that an account of the seminar's proceedings will be published in book form.
Afghan Muslims protest at freeing of Christian convert
Around a thousand Muslims in northern Afghanistan protested publicly
last week against a decision to dismiss the death penalty case against
a man who converted to Christianity 16 years ago in another country.
The case has caused outrage among those committed to religious freedom.
(Full
story from Ekklesia.)
Rediscovering Christ in Sri Lanka – A talk with discussion
Tuesday 30 May 2006, 7.30-9.30, at St Margaret’s, 353 Kilmarnock Road, Newlands, Glasgow, G43 2DS.
The Rt. Revd. Kenneth Fernando, the former Anglican Bishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka, is the main speaker at this event co-organized and sponsored by the Scottish Episcopal Church's Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway and the Glasgow University Centre for Inter Faith Studies, whose Director, Prof. Perry Schmidt-Leukel, will chair the discussion.
Kenneth Fernando is one of the three president bishops of NIFCON - the Worldwide Anglican Communion's Network for Inter Faith Concerns - and has published several articles on inter faith issues, including The Spirit Speaks.
The South Glasgow Regional Council will provide cheese and wine to follow the talk and discussion. All are welcome to attend. Further details from Dom Ind on 0141 641 1173 or dom.ind@ntlworld.com.