GLASGOW, Scotland — An interfaith evening held in the Glasgow Scotland Stake Center on Sept. 23 was hosted by Church leaders here to promote understanding between people of different faith groups and to demonstrate to the community that faith groups can work together to eliminate bigotry, racial and religious discrimination, intolerance and misunderstanding, and promote good citizenship.
The event was attended by a number of people from different faiths, with invitations having been extended to 20 faith groups in the greater Glasgow area plus some inter-faith groups, and civic groups whose constituency includes part of Glasgow. The Lord Provost of Glasgow was unable to attend due to a previous engagement, but sent her best wishes and support. Representing her and addressing the meeting was Baillie Gordon Matheson, a Glasgow city councilor who congratulated the Church for hosting and organizing the evening. Other speakers at the event included Ravinder Kaur Nijjar, Chair of the Scottish Inter Faith Council and representing the Scottish Sikh Women's Association; The Rev. Malcolm Duff of the Church of Scotland; and Elder David Baxter of the Church's Europe West Area Presidency, an Area Authority Seventy.
Sounds International Inter Faith Choir provided all the music throughout the evening, with the program, conducted by Glasgow stake President Alan McArthur, interspersed with secular music selected to fit the evening. Afterward, a "munch & mingle" gave visitors the opportunity to get to know one another and establish friendships, with the Jewish and Sikh representatives expressing appreciation for the consideration given to them by the provision of kosher and vegetarian food.
Several e-mails were subsequently received from members of faith groups who attended saying how much they had enjoyed the evening.