Glasgow's faith leaders unite around historic Interfaith Declaration

The historic gathering

In a powerful show of unity amid rising global and local tensions, faith and belief leaders from across Glasgow's diverse communities gathered last night to launch the Glasgow 850 Interfaith Declaration - a unifying statement of shared values and commitments to build a more just, inclusive, and compassionate Glasgow.

Signed by senior representatives from Glasgow's diverse faith and belief communities at a special Scottish Interfaith Week Civic Reception in the City Chambers to mark the city's 850th anniversary, the Declaration sets out a shared vision for the city's future-committing its supporters to nurture understanding across faiths and worldviews; work together for equality, peace, and climate justice; welcome refugees; and challenge prejudice in all its forms.

Launched against a backdrop of growing global and local division-with rising hate crime, anti-immigrant sentiment, and strains on interfaith relationships caused by international conflicts and social polarisation-the Declaration stands as a powerful reaffirmation of Glasgow's enduring commitment to unity, compassion, and dialogue.

Its message is clear: that mutual understanding must prevail over mistrust; that Glasgow's faith and belief communities speak with one voice on the key challenges of our day; and that people of all faiths and none can work side by side for peace, equality, and the wellbeing of the planet we share.

The Declaration was launched by Interfaith Glasgow in the presence of the Rt Hon The Lord Provost, Councillor Jacqueline McLaren, civic leaders, and representatives of faith and belief communities from across the city.

The Minister for Equalities, Kaukab Stewart MSP was also in attendance and gave an address, highlighting the significance of the occasion for Scotland.

The Declaration was signed by:

The Reverend George C. Mackay, Moderator of Glasgow Presbytery (Christian-Church of Scotland)
The Most Reverend William Nolan, Archbishop of Glasgow (Christian-Roman Catholic)
The Right Reverend Dr Nicholas Bundock, Bishop of Glasgow & Galloway (Christian-Scottish Episcopal)
Shaykh Dr Sohaib Saeed (Muslim)
Rabbi Moshe Rubin, Senior Rabbi of Scotland (Jewish)
Acharaya Medini Pati Mishra, Hindu Mandir, Glasgow (Hindu)
S. Labhaya Singh Mehmi, President, Glasgow Gurdwara (Sikh)
Dharmacharini Anagarika Parami, Senior Teacher, Triratna Buddhist Order (Buddhist)
Reverent Linda M. Haggerstone, The Druid Network (Pagan)
Justin Alae-Carew (Bahai)
Dorrit Prichard, HSS Trustee and Convenor of Glasgow Humanists Group (Humanist)
Rose Goodenough (Brahma Kumaris)

The evening included a shared meal, bringing together civic and community leaders, activists, and faith representatives in a spirit of fellowship - a fitting reflection of Glasgow's motto for its 850th anniversary: "Let Glasgow Flourish."

The Glasgow 850 Interfaith Declaration was developed by Interfaith Glasgow to speak to key areas of concern in which faith and belief communities across the city are already active.

The Declaration can be read in full, along with suggested ways of showing support for the Declaration, at: https://interfaithglasgow.org/glasgow-850-interfaith-declaration/

Scottish Interfaith Week 2025 runs from 2-9 November and is coordinated nationally by Interfaith Scotland.