The Bahá'ís were once again asked to provide music for a diverse multifaith service on 23rd Jan in St Marks Unitarian Church, organised by the retired Revd Brian Cooper, at which over eighty people attended. There was a silence and collection for the Tsunami appeal, and the theme was “All Faiths for World Peace”.

A hymn mentioning Bahá'u'lláh, written by Wally Shaw on United Nations Day, 24th Oct, 2004, was sung for the first time at St Marks Unitarian Church, Edinburgh on 16th Jan to an 18th Century arrangement of a Russian melody (the tune also being used by American Methodists as a vespers hymn):

Interfaith Service in Dalbeattie

There was cause for celebration on 18th November when, in the small town of Dalbeattie, the reverend David Norwood from the local Episcopal Church welcomed Dumfries and Galloway's Interfaith group for the first ever multi-faith service in his church. Several members of the group were present, as well as a good number of locals, some of whom had no idea what to expect! The interfaith group had planned an interesting programme which began by reading the mission statement of the Scottish Interfaith Council: “We commit ourselves in a spirit of friendship and co-operation to work together as people of faith for a just and inclusive Scotland.” Following this there were readings and quotations from the Bahá'í, Hindu, Christian, Muslim, Zoroastrian, and Jewish Faiths, and a time for reflection, and the lighting of seven candles as the tablet of the Seven was read out by a Bahá’í youth. Finally, there was an opportunity to “Consort with the followers of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship.” It was an uplifting and inspiring evening characterised by an atmosphere of gentleness, warmth and friendship.
 

World Religion Day

The Interfaith group celebrated World religion day with a gathering focusing on two themes – human suffering, which had been highlighted by the tsunami disaster, and also on the unity of religions. Again, there were readings from the sacred scriptures of major world faiths, imparting guidance, inspiration, and comfort. Pianist Roslyn Blake provided much of the music, which contributed to the overall ambience. The service was concluded by the exchange of friendship bracelets and enjoyable refreshments. The Interfaith group was pleased to welcome representatives from the Local Council and the NHS Trust, along with Russell Brown MP and Elaine Murray MSP, who although they could not manage the service itself, managed to join us for refreshments and discussion afterwards. Many people commented about the special atmosphere of fellowship and tranquillity that was created by the readings and the music.

World Religion Day was also marked by a small exhibition at Dumfries and Galloway College. The librarian used some of the material from an excellent World Religion Day website, there was a display of books on major faiths together with very colourful posters on loan from the Interfaith Council.
   

Devotional Meetings

The Bahá'í community had a successful and well attended Sacred Space meeting in Dumfries at which Carolyn Sparey and Jeremy Fox provided the delightful and inspiring musical interludes. The readings were on the theme of Unity and one of the highlights of the program was the famous quotation “Be generous in prosperity, and thankful in adversity…” by Bahá'u'lláh, recited by Jeremy while Carolyn accompanied beautifully on the viola. There was excellent coverage for this event in the local press which led to a good turn out of old and new friends.

As a service project following the commencement of Ruhi Book 1 our study circle decided to hold a devotional meeting to celebrate world religion day.

We had a wonderful time on Sunday 14 January. Selected writings from Buddhist, Hindu, Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian, Islam and Bahá'í scriptures were presented (PowerPoint) and read based on promotion of love and unity amongst the different Faiths and creeds. A friend of ours, a Muslim Lady, chanted from Quran, Roya played and sang 2 songs and at the end we showed a very moving audio presentation of Dan Seals dedicated to the Asian Tsunami and other people enduring suffering around the world. http://www.hiddengifts.org/we_are_one.

We had 8 friends of interest. Roya, Angie and Pam supported us kindly. I think all enjoyed it very much.

The event was supported and publicised by Religious organisations and Fraefife.

This is the first year our community have organised an event like this, and we feel this is hopefully the start of opening dialogue between the different faiths and denominations in the community.

(The devotional presentation on power point is available for other communities to use/look at for inspiration. If they would like a copy contact Behdokht Eliasieh: BS@Eliasieh.freeserve.co.uk)