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October 2006 E-Bulletin (1)

October 3, 2006

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"Do only Christians go to heaven?"

That's the question posed by David Hilborn in the latest edition of Idea magazine. In Hebrews 11, godly figures who never knew Jesus are counted among the redeemed. Those who live faithfully within their own religious context without hearing the Good News are seen (by inclusivists) to be in a similar position. You can read his answer in full here.

Seeing theology in a new way

In the latest issue of the EDAN (Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network) Newsletter (which does not appear to be available on-line), Sharon Burniston, provides a report of her experiences as a partially-sighted person attending the WCC assembly in Porto Alegre.

I would draw to your attention to her report of the mutirão session led by Wesley Ariarajah, in which he suggested redefining koinonia beyond its Christian boundaries, and seeing divine possibility in building a worldwide "healing community". Sharon reports that discussion became heated as one Indian Christian angrily denounced Hinduism for its treatment of the dalits. A Hindu participant passionately defended his religion, and accused Christians of hypocrisy when they "bribed" indigenous cultures with medical care and education in order to guarantee conversion. A third speaker, also a Hindu, commented on the fact that interfaith dialogue serves as a bridge that helps us all examine our religious conscience.

As she heard this exchange, Sharon reflected on EDAN discussions on healing/curing. So often interfaith dialogue concentrates on curing the "ills of the infidels." But, in the perception of healing as the restoration of God's intended world, where all individuals and communities are treated with respect and dignity, a new awareness of the "healing" dimension of interfaith dialogue begins to emerge.

Jihad redefined at multi-faith talks

The idea of 'jihad' has been publicly redefined and reinterpreted according by a Syrian Islamic leader. The suggestion came during a four day visit to the republic of Armenia by Sheikh Ahmad Badr Al-Din Hassuni. The Sheikh, invited by the leader of the Armenian Apostolic Church Catholicos Garegin II for inter faith talks, suggested that far from being a justification for violence and killings in the name of Allah it was better interpreted as a means to 'enjoy the blessings of life and not to be killed'. More on this can be read at Ekklesia.

Religious leaders denounce use of religion for political ends

Leaders of major world religions meeting in Kazakhstan made a decision to take a more active role in denouncing intolerance, terrorism and the misuse of religion for political ends. The call came on the first day of the Second Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. The summit is expected to result in a declaration on active measures that individual religious leaders can take to promote international security. A fuller report can be read at Ekklesia.

Pope's personal apology to Muslims fails to placate angry critics

Despite a personally reiterated papal apology for the impact of recent his remarks in Germany, and a clarification that he did not endorse the words of the Christian emperor he cited, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said that recent comments by Benedict XVI on Islam were in line with a "crusade" against Muslims. Behind the controversy, the Iranian leader declared, was the "wish of [western] powers whose survival depends on creating crises" and the Pope's views were the "latest link" in "the chain of a conspiracy to set in train a crusade".

The article which provides a fairly clear explanation of Pope Benedict XVI's initial statement which led to the controversy and vitriolic backlash to it, and some of the rationale underlying the Muslim responses to it, can be read at Ekklesia. An article from the Daily Mail gives a somewhat different viewpoint. You can also read a number of reactions and a commentary article at Ekklesia.

Fundamentalists in our midst?

Muriel Gray, writing in the Sunday Herald, gives her views on the statement of Home Secretary John Reid which included something about spotting would-be Muslim fundamentalists.

The BBC Today programme broadcast an interview with Islamic militant Abu Izzadeen, in which he made it clear that he would like to see extreme Sharia law imposed in the UK. It is possible to listen to it online.

Pope Benedict XVI has told diplomats from Islamic countries that the peace of the world relies upon them learning to respect one another, to discuss differences constructively, and to recognise the call within both faiths to reject violence decisively. In response, Muslim scholars have called for a reassessment of the past, and for the churches to face up to their own history of violence in a frank re- assessment of the historical relations between the two faiths.

CAIRS exists to promote dialogue with people of other faiths, and so is reluctant to 'take sides' in such disputes. However it is obvious that for dialogue to happen, there must be parity of esteem between the participants. Fundamentalism of any hue makes dialogue impossible. Respect and something more than tolerance are what are required to enable dialogue. We may not agree with everything that the other faith holds true, but we should be willing to allow expression of those views as long as they do not impact upon the convictions of others. Dialogue must be a meeting of minds, not an opportunity for a vigorous dispute. Entrenched fundamentalist viewpoints may well be a byproduct of insecurity which manifests itself in intolerance of the beliefs of others. This can be summed up in the following quote: "I will defend the right of my neighbour to be wrong!"

In Edinburgh last year, the Dalai Lama urged Western Christians and Muslims to embrace the teachings of compassion and peace that can be found in their own religious traditions. "All major religions carry the same messages. Messages of love, compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment and self-discipline. I have Muslim friends, Christian friends. All have these same values."

Christians and Muslims meet for religious dialogue in Iran

Three American Mennonite scholars participated as guests and contributors at a recent conference on Muslim doctrine organized and hosted by the Bright Future Institute, of Qom, Iran, reports Mennonite World Conference. Their participation continued a series of exchanges between Mennonites and Iranian religious leaders that stretches back for most of a decade. The full story can be read at Ekklesia.

Anglican Cathedral burned in Nigerian blasphemy riot

The Bishop of Dutse (Jigawa State, Nigeria), the Rt Revd Yesufu Lumu, has told the Anglican Communion News Service in a telephone interview that a local conflict between a Christian and Muslim woman escalated into a full blown riot on the streets of the city. The end result was St Peter's Anglican Cathedral was burned to the ground and the Bishop's office and car port destroyed. More at Ekklesia.

Faith Leaders discuss unity

Scotland's faith leaders met with the First Minister, Jack McConnell, on 11 September at the Edinburgh Jewish Community Centre. Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Muslim, Baha'I and Jewish representatives attended. The meeting was also the occasion of the First Minister's announcement of his support for MSP Dennis Canavan's bill to make St. Andrew's Day a public holiday. Fuller details can be found at The Herald and The Scotsman.

Archbishop of Canterbury and Israel's Chief Rabbis sign historic agreement

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams and the Chief Rabbis of Israel, Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar and Chief Rabbi Yonah Metzger have signed a joint declaration which sets out a framework for continuing dialogue between them. This move has not been without its critics. Three articles that deal with this are at Ekklesia - 1, 2, 3.

Bishop's warning over Christian Zionism

Cardinal Michel Sabbah, Roman Catholic Archbishop in Jerusalem, Israel, has signed a joint inter-denominational statement criticising Christians that hold the belief that modern Israel should be defended in order to fulfil Biblical prophecies. More at Ekklesia.

Nonviolence a focus for Religion

After 9/11 gathering The religious basis of peace, non-violence and reconciliation in a plural world was one of the main discussion points at a recent meeting of faith leaders in the light of the fifth year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York. A conference entitled 'The World's Religions After September 11: A Global Congress' was held from 11 - 15 September 2006 in Montreal, Canada. The deliberations included much soul-searching around the question, 'Can religion be a force for good?', as participants acknowledged the way faith has often been exploited for death-dealing ends. Fuller details can be read at Ekklesia.

The influence of the Muslim, Sheth haji Habib, on the 11 September 1906 meeting at the start of Satyagraha, the Indian nonviolent movement led by Ghandi, initially in South Africa, is highlighted in a most interesting article that can also be read at Ekklesia.

Almost half Londoners want a ban on faith schools

Nearly half of Londoners believe religious schools should be banned, according to a new survey. The survey's findings came as police continued to search an Islamic school in East Sussex that is alleged to have been used as an al Qaeda training camp.

Debate also continues about the discrimination in admissions policies practiced by many Christian schools who give priority to children from families who attend churches connected to them. Do you think that faith schools contribute to inter faith disharmony? Scotland has far fewer non-Christian faith schools than London (at present), so is this something that should not concern Scots? Many Muslims are content to send their children to roman Catholic schools in Scotland, arguing that the faith ethos is preferable to that of a non-denominational school. Do you have any opinions on this? More can be read at Ekklesia.

Invitation to Scottish Women's Convention Event: The Issues and Needs of Women from Different Faith Communities

I have been asked to pass on details of this round table consultation for women, taking place in Glasgow on 26 October. Further information can be obtained from the Scottish Women's Convention, with whom bookings should be made directly.

The Great Divide: How Westerners and Muslims View Each Other

An interesting report from Pew Global explores the different perceptions of Muslims and westerners regarding each other. It highlights the waning support among Muslims (apart from in Nigeria) for extremist Muslims like Osama bin Laden, and traces some changes over recent years in attitudes and perceptions. The tree main sections of the report are entitled, I. Muslims and the West - How Each Sees The Other. II. The Rift Between Muslims and the West: Causes and Consequences. III. Islam, Modernity and Terrorism.

Forthcoming CAIRS events

The final "Christianity and Scotland's Other Faiths" event of 2006 is entitled "First Steps in Inter Faith Encounter" and takes place at Scottish Churches House in Dunblane on Tuesday 21st November. Click here to book on-line: click on "visitors" and then "house programme", and scroll down to 21st November 2006. Or download a leaflet and booking form (pdf, 240kb).

CAIRS, in association with ACTS, are providing the venue for a Scottish Inter Faith Council training day on "The Employment Equality (Religion and Belief) Regulations. This takes place at Inglewood House in Alloa on Tuesday 12th December. Download leaflet (pdf, 80kb).

Next year's study days are currently being planned.:
1. We plan to visit the Glasgow New Synagogue in Newton Mearns, probably on Saturday 24th February, to share in the Shabbat service, followed by a meal and dialogue with members of the synagogue.
2. The three "Christianity and Scotland's Other Faiths" days in Dunblane are likely to focus on Hinduism, Islam and Sikhism. Prof Frank Whaling, Sohaib Saaed and Ravinder Kaur Nijjar have agreed to lead these study sessions, but dates are yet to be finalised. The likely dates for the three study days are Thursday 26th April, Wednesday 26th September, and Tuesday 20th November, but I have yet to fit each of the speakers into one of these slots!

I have been asked to remind you about the Gerald Weisfeld Lectures 2006, which have the theme Islam and Inter-Faith Relations, and are organized by The Centre for Inter-Faith Studies and The Centre for the Study of Islam, University of Glasgow.

9 October
1. Islam in a World of Diverse Faiths Jacques Waardenburg, (Switzerland)
2. Islam in a World of Diverse Faiths Mahmut Aydin, (Turkey)

16 October
3. A Muslim View of Judaism Muhammad Kalisch, (Germany)
4. A Jewish View of Islam Alon Goshen-Gottstein,(Israel)

30 October
5. A Muslim View of Hinduism Asghar Ali Engineer, (India)
6. A Hindu View of Islam Chakravarthi Ram-Prasad, (UK-India)

6 November
7. A Muslim View of Buddhism Majid Tehranian, (USA)
8. A Buddhist View of Islam Alexander Berzin, (Germany)

13 November
9. A Muslim View of Christianity Ataullah Siddiqui, (UK)
10. A Christian View of Islam David Kerr, (Sweden)

Each evening the format will be as follows:
5.00 -5.15 Welcome
5.15 - 6.00 Lecture 1
6.00 - 6.15 Break
6.15 - 7.00 Lecture 2
7.00 - 7.15 Break
7.15 - 7.35 Mutual Responses of the two lecturers
7.35 - 8.00 Plenary discussion

More details can be found at the Glasgow University website.

Scottish Inter Faith Week, 26 November to 3 December 2006

CAIRS would urge you to support, attend, or even organize your own Inter Faith Week events. The aim of Inter Faith Week is to promote dialogue, understanding, and co-operation between Scotland 's diverse religious communities. This initiative was born out of the recognition that religious communities can no longer afford to exist in isolation from each other but must seek, instead, to replace barriers of prejudice and fear with bonds of friendship, in order to build a better Scotland for all.

Inter Faith Week is supported by Scotland 's religious leaders, the Scottish Executive and the Scottish Parliament. Religious leaders, Government Ministers and MSPs will attend various events throughout the week.

"In today's climate it is crucial that faith communities work together towards greater understanding and cooperation. Scottish Inter Faith Week provides an important opportunity for people to get involved in this work, to meet their neighbours and build on friendships which ensure a more cohesive and harmonious future for Scotland."
Imam Mustaqeem Shah, UK Islamic Mission, Glasgow

"I am very honoured to be able to participate in Inter Faith Week along with the other faith groups. I think it is extremely important that myself and others, as faith leaders, make every effort to set an example to our followers, so that all the different faiths in our country can live happily together to ensure a brighter future for Scotland."
Venerable Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche, Samye Ling Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, Dumfriesshire

"Inter Faith Week is a chance for inter faith groups to focus on getting people together who may never before have mixed with people of different faith backgrounds, though they may have lived in the same neighbourhoods for years. This kind of positive engagement counteracts the mistrust and prejudice which can so easily take hold."
Rosemary Eddy, Dundee Inter Faith Association

Inter Faith week events planned to date:
26 November: Scottish Inter Faith Week Launch, Glasgow University Forehall; 4 pm
30 November: Religious Leaders National Conference, City Chambers, Edinburgh
3 December: Scottish Inter Faith Youth Conference, Edinburgh University Chaplaincy Centre

Local Events:
28 November; 7-9 pm; Glasgow Sharing of Faiths; 'Something Special'- Bring along a treasured item which is dear to you because of your faith and in a friendly atmosphere enjoy meeting new people of many faiths and exchanging stories: to be held at Scotland Street Museum, 255 Scotland Street, Glasgow. For further information contact 0141 883 3139 Please send me news of other events for publication in the November E-journal, before 30 October. Further information of these and other Inter Faith week events may be obtained from The Scottish Inter Faith Council, 523 Shields Road, Glasgow, G41 2RF Tel: 0141 420 6982 email admin@interfaithscotland.org or by checking their website.

Corrections

In the September E-journal the 'Mother Teresa nuns' were wrongly named as Sisters of Charity, they are, of course, the Missionaries of Charity. Also the link for the Coracle article was incorrect. Apologies for any confusion these errors may have caused.