Ekklesia（http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/15777）
Three faiths to worship together in Edinburgh mosque, 23 November 2011
by agency reporter
In what may be a 'first' in Britain, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland will share worship with leaders of the Jewish and Muslim communities at a mosque.
On Friday 25 November the Rt Rev David Arnott and Rabbi David Rose of the Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation will join Muslims at Annandale Mosque in Scotland's capital for prayers.
The occasion is part of a unique three-day programme in Edinburgh of talks between the three main Abrahamic traditions.
Mr Arnott commented: “Interfaith dialogue is about showing respect for the traditions of each other’s faith. There is no better way to do that than by sharing openly in worship together."
He continued: “This is how we say to the community where we all live this is how we should live together, with respect and understanding of what is important to each other.”
From Friday to Sunday representatives from the three traditions will stand alongside each other during each of the different faith services.
Rabbi David Rose, who is also co-convener of the Edinburgh Interfaith Association, said: “The mutual respect we show to each other in visiting other faiths' places of worship is a clear signal that the various faiths in our city is committed to living together in harmony and together contributing to the wellbeing of the city.”
Bashir Malik, a mosque representative, said: “The Jewish and Christian faiths are deeply connected with Islam with all three being a continuation of the Abrahamic faith."
He added: “We must show respect for each other from the core of our hearts, and these visits of each other's place of worship is the best way to express our respect and commitment to contributing to achieving peace and harmony within our communities.”
The programme starts at Annandale Mosque on Friday, then on Saturday at the Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation’s synagogue, ending with a Church of Scotland service on Sunday at St Andrew’s, St George’s West, Edinburgh.
[Ekk/3]
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