Scottish Interfaith Week provides the opportunity to help school pupils to be aware of the importance of interreligious dialogue within the life of the Church. The Scottish Bishops recognize the importance of this work and have set up a Committee for Interreligious Dialogue to make Catholics aware of the Church’s teaching and to encourage Catholics to engage in this dialogue as they feel able.

Recent events in the world have shown us how important it is to have good relations between faiths. Violence and conflict abroad can have repercussions here at home and it is hoped that good interfaith relations in Scotland can show that peace and harmony among faiths is possible.

“My wish is that the dialogue between us should help to build bridges connecting all people, in such a way that everyone can see in the other not an enemy, not a rival, but a brother or sister to be welcomed and embraced.” (Pope Francis, March 22nd 2013)