Tag: Religion

Islamic Relief UK calls for more action on Islamophobia

As Islamophobia awareness month begins, Islamic Relief UK is calling on the UK Gov to make sure they ‘Don’t Let it Slide’

Charity Islamic Relief UK is calling on the government to take more stringent measures in tackling Islamophobia and protect UK Muslims. Islamic Relief is asking for:

  • Practical guidance and consistent implementation
  • Better evidence and monitoring
  • Meaningful participation of Muslim communities and independent experts in designing and assessing policy

The charity’s call comes at a crucial point in time, as racism towards Muslims has intensified to worrying levels. Police-recorded anti-Muslim hate crime increased by 15% over the last year, with Muslims being the victim of 46% of all religious hate crimes, more than any other group. 

The charity itself has also been a target of Islamophobia, as it has been forced to deal with online abuse and misinformation targeted against it in recent years.

According to the British Muslim Trust, one Mosque was attacked every five days over the last year, and incidents involving serious harm, arson or violence rose from 3.7% to 19.6%.

Mosques in the UK serve not only as religious centres but also as vital community services for people of all faiths and none, providing foodbanks, clothes banks, support for the homeless, support for domestic abuse victims and other crucial services. These critical services are put at risk for ordinary citizens as a result of the increase in Islamophobic attacks. 

Earlier this year the UK government introduced a definition of Anti-Muslim Hostility, covering prejudicial stereotyping, criminal acts and unlawful discrimination. However, it did not alter any existing laws.

“Islamic Relief UK has welcomed this as an important first step but is now calling on the government to continue advancing this work so Islamophobia can be stamped out wherever possible. 

Zia Salik, interim director, Islamic Relief UK says “For too long Islamophobia has not been taken seriously enough.

“Over the last few years, we’ve seen explosions in anti-Muslim and anti-migrant violence in the summers as rioters sought to cause harm, our Mosques have been targeted by violent attacks and arson, while the media turned a blind eye, and online Islamophobia and hatred has run out of control.

“The communities we work with don’t feel safe, our UK programmes work that helps the UK’s most vulnerable has been impeded and our own staff have been targeted online.

“Earlier this year the government made an important first step with its anti-Muslim hatred definition, but it’s time to go further. UK Muslims need to be properly protected from discrimination and potential harm.”

BBC Christmas Day Service to be broadcast live from St Mary’s

Big news: we are extremely excited that the BBC One Christmas Day Service this year will be broadcast live from St Mary’s Cathedral!

We would love to welcome as many people as we can to this very special service; you can reserve a place (and make an optional donation) at http://www.cathedral.net/eve…/christmas-day-eucharist-2026.

Please note that this service begins at 10am, with final entry at 9:30am (earlier than our usual time).

Freedom of Choice, Religious Dress and Community Cohesion

I welcome the comments made by First Minister John Swinney on the issue of the burqa and, in particular, his clear statement that women should be free to choose what they want to wear (writes FOYSOL CHOUDHURY).

In Scotland, we should be proud of being a diverse and multicultural country where people are free to practise their faith, express their culture, and make their own personal choices without unnecessary interference from the state.

My Work in Parliament

I have consistently raised these vital issues in the Scottish Parliament to ensure our legislation, debates, and public policy reflect our core values of equality, personal autonomy, and human rights. Through parliamentary questions to the Scottish Government, I have formally challenged dangerous proposals to restrict religious dress and pressed Ministers on how they intend to safeguard minority communities.

Specifically, I have raised questions in Parliament pressing Ministers on:

  • Protecting Civil Liberties: What explicit measures the Scottish Government is taking to protect individual rights and ensure women retain the freedom to choose their own clothing free from state control or harassment.
  • Community Cohesion: How the Government is monitoring and mitigating the damaging impact that toxic political rhetoric and divisive debates have on minority communities across Scotland.
  • Tackling Hate Crime: What proactive steps are being taken to ensure women who choose to wear religious garments, such as the burqa or hijab, are protected from discrimination, harassment, and abuse in public spaces.

Stopping Political Hate and Division

It is deeply alarming to see some politicians actively using the floor of Parliament and public platforms to spread hate, target specific religious groups, and divide our communities.

When politicians play politics with people’s identity and faith, it is not harmless debate — it is dangerous, and it needs to be stopped.

  • Inciting Hatred and Division: Rhetoric that singles out Muslim women normalises Islamophobia and prejudice. It signals to the wider public that certain groups are acceptable targets for hostility.
  • Fueling Abuse on the Streets: Words spoken in Parliament have real-world consequences. Inflammatory political debates directly increase the risk of verbal and physical harassment faced by minority women in their everyday lives.
  • Undermining Democratic Trust: Politics should be about bringing people together to solve shared problems. When politicians use their platform to pit communities against one another, it erodes social trust and weakens the democratic principles of equality and mutual respect.

The Real Impact of Ban Proposals

Proposals to ban or restrict religious dress do not liberate anyone, they actively harm the women they purport to discuss.

  • Increasing Isolation: Rather than empowering women, dress bans risk forcing visually identifiable Muslim women out of public life, restricting their access to education, employment, and public services due to heightened fears for their safety.
  • Eroding Freedom for Everyone: Allowing the government or political parties to dictate what women can or cannot wear sets a dangerous precedent that undermines fundamental bodily autonomy and religious freedom for all citizens.

A Scotland Built on Freedom and Equality

For many women, religious and cultural clothing is an important part of their identity and faith. This is not unique to Muslim communities. Scotland is home to people from many different ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds, all of whom contribute enormously to the country we share.

We must reject attempts by politicians to divide us. We should be having a conversation about freedom, equality, and choice, not using the parliament to tell women what they can and cannot wear.

Women must have the right to decide what they wear for themselves. That freedom must apply equally to everyone, whether someone chooses to wear a burqa, hijab, turban, traditional cultural dress, or no religious clothing at all.

Scotland is strongest when everyone can feel that they belong. 

Diversity is a strength to be celebrated, and protecting people’s freedom to express their faith and culture is fundamental to building a fair, safe, and inclusive society.

Foysol Choudhury MBE is a former Member of the Scottish Parliament & Shadow Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development

Celebration as new Bishop of Edinburgh installed

The Rt Rev Dr Dagmar Winter was installed as the new Bishop of Edinburgh at a joyous service in St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral.

Guests from all over Scotland and from as far as Ghana and New Zealand packed the cathedral, including church leaders the Most Rev Dr Leo Cushley, Roman Catholic Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, the Rt Rev Gordon Kennedy, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and the Most Rev Rt Hon Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York.

Bishop Dagmar, who becomes the 27th Bishop of Edinburgh, described the service of installation and translation (from Bishop of Huntingdon in the Diocese of Ely) as “an amazing and uplifting, hugely encouraging experience”.

After celebrating the Eucharist, she said: “Thank you to everyone who contributed to such a wonderful launch into my new episcopal role.

“In the following weeks and months there will be many to meet and I have much to learn and absorb. I can’t wait to get started! The Synod of the Scottish Episcopal Church next week comes early in my time and will be a further opportunity for important encounters.

“The joy of the Lord is our strength! In this spirit I look forward to working with all the charges in the Diocese of Edinburgh and the wider communities and their leaders beyond as we seek the kingdom Jesus proclaimed.”

The installation of Bishop Dagmar takes the College of Bishops to a full complement of seven bishops once more.

You can read more at our website here:

https://www.scotland.anglican.org/celebration-as-new…/

Knitted Bible Exhibition at Blackhall St Columba’s next month

We are excited to bring this exhibition to Scotland for only the 2nd time in its history. Please look at the notice to see when it is available to see and come along with some friends.

We hope to see you here.

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St. Mark’s: Your Unitarian Church

Although it has been stolidly nestling between Victorian buildings for nearly 200 years, St. Mark’s Unitarian Church in Castle Terrace, the only Unitarian church in Edinburgh, is one of the city’s best-kept secrets (writes MARTYN BAGULEY).

Unitarianism isn’t a New Age religion – there have been Unitarian congregations in Edinburgh since 1776 – but the meaning of the name has changed with time.

Originally used to affirm the oneness of God as opposed to the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, it has evolved to represent a ‘unifying’ home for all of us who are on different spiritual journeys, from Christians to atheists.

Whilst drawing on the inspiration of Christianity and other religions, philosophies and nature, it encourages members to be open-minded and develop their own spiritual paths.

The welcome you will receive on arriving and the peaceful atmosphere of the church sanctuary are not unique to St. Mark’s, but you will find that aspects of the service are. Led by either the resident minister, The Rev. Janine Sim, a visiting minister or lay preacher, there may, or may not, be readings from the Bible, but there will be thought-provoking readings from secular works and references made to other religions.

There will be moments for meditation or prayer, a sermon on the theme of the service – which can be found up to 3 days before the service by Googling https://www.edinburgh-unitarians.org.uk  – musical interludes when a talented pianist plays the superb Weinbach grand piano (worth coming just for that!) and probably three hymns.

Some, but not all, of the hymn tunes may be familiar to you, but the words may not be. Don’t worry: you can sit or stand and just quietly reflect on the meaningful words. 

After the service you can enjoy light refreshments in the adjacent church hall where you will probably meet and make friends with people from not only Edinburgh but also from many other places in Britain and the world.

Who knows – you make want to come again – and again.

Edinburgh celebrates the Festival of Lights with 18th annual Scottish National Chanukah Celebration

YESTERDAY (Sunday 14th December), Scotland’s capital city hosted the 18th annual Scottish National Chanukah Celebration, organised by Chabad of Edinburgh. St Andrew Square was aglow as hundreds gathered for the joyous celebration, both from the Jewish community and wider Scottish society, but against the backdrop of the devastating antisemitic attack on a similar Chanukah celebration in Sydney, Australia.

Ben Macpherson, MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, and Minister for Higher and Further Education, shared his heartfelt greetings for the holiday and a message of solidarity with Scotland’s Jewish community, before ascending on a cherry picker to light the shamash (lead candle) of Scotland’s Tallest Menorah – an iconic candelabra symbolizing hope and resilience.

Rabbi Pinny Weinman of Chabad of Edinburgh and members of Edinburgh’s Jewish community shared their reflections on the themes of the holiday and their relevance to current events.

Following the lighting ceremony, attendees gathered in a large marquee set up next to the Menorah to enjoy traditional Chanukah delicacies, including latkes and sufganiyot (doughnuts), amidst an atmosphere of holiday cheer and resilience.

Rabbi Pinny Weinman of Chabad of Edinburgh, commented about the event: “Hanukkah is a celebration of light, faith, and perseverance — a time when we remember that even a small flame can dispel great darkness.

“In light of the tragic events in Sydney that have shaken the Jewish community and so many others around the world, this message feels especially powerful. Here in Scotland, the Scottish National Hanukkah Celebration brings together people from all walks of life to stand united, to reject hatred, and to reaffirm our shared values of dignity, compassion, and peace.

“Especially in challenging times, the Menorah’s light reminds us that goodness, kindness, and community spirit will always prevail. We are proud to celebrate this beautiful festival in the heart of Edinburgh, together with the entire community.”

Ben Macpherson, MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, and Minister for Higher and Further Education, said at the event: “We meet in difficult circumstances tonight after the horrific antisemitic attack in Sydney and our thoughts are with all of those affected directly and indirectly; and today, like so many people across our city, our country and the world, our thoughts will be with you, the Jewish community, at this time.

“As the candles of the Menorah are lit here tonight, we will mark the festival of light as an enduring symbol and commitment to hope, to resilience and the faith that Chanukah represents. 

“The commitment and contribution of the Jewish community in Scotland lasts for centuries, and I know as a constituency MSP how much you contribute to the life of this city and how much this community has contributed to our story.

“Your government stands with you in celebrating your culture and your religion and particularly in solidarity with you tonight.

“As we prepare to light the Menorah, let us remember what those flames represent – they are more than candles, they are beacons of hope, particularly today and the eight days ahead.

“They remind us that even in the darkest times, light can and will endure. They call us to be courageous, to stand up for what is right and against antisemitism and discrimination, to nurture the bonds that unite us in common humanity.

“On behalf of the Scottish Government and as one of your local MSPs, I wish all of you here and the Jewish community across Scotland a joyful Chanukah. May this festival bring warmth and comfort to your homes and peace to your hearts in these difficult times and light to our shared future together.”

This year’s celebration was made possible thanks to the generous support of key partners, including the Scottish Government, the City of Edinburgh Council, Police Scotland, Essential Edinburgh, and Unique Scotland.

Gandhian Peace Society shares new report

THE Gandhian Peace Society (GPS) has shared ‘an urgent and transformative development’ – the recent publication of their new report, Hinduphobia in Scotland: Understanding, Addressing, and Overcoming Prejudice:

As a charity rooted in Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of non-violence, GPS is proud to announce that this pioneering study has been presented to the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Challenging Racial and Religious Prejudice of Hinduphobia in the UK (writes DHRUVA KUMAR, General Secretary of Gandhian Peace Society).

Our report, presented to the CPG on 23 January 2024 and discussed in a meeting chaired by Foysol Choudhury MSP and convened by Professor Peter Hopkins, blends rigorous statistical data with firsthand accounts from Scotland’s Hindu population—approximately 0.3% of the country’s 5.4 million residents.

The findings reveal a troubling rise in prejudice and systemic barriers:

  • 56% Surge in Hate Crimes: Police Scotland data shows a 56% increase in charges linked to anti-Hindu prejudice between 2019 and 2021. Notable incidents include the 2021 vandalism of Dundee’s Shree Sanatan Mandir and the 2020 arson attack on Edinburgh’s Radha Krishna Temple.
  • Systemic Workplace Discrimination: Hindus face the lowest public-sector recruitment rates among religious groups—1.99% at NHS Greater Glasgow, 2.7% at Glasgow City Council, and 1.39% at Renfrewshire Council. A 2022 study found that 93% of Hindu employees avoid wearing religious attire at work, while 38% report denied requests for religious holidays.
  • Social Stigma: A survey revealed that 16% of Scots would feel uncomfortable with a relative marrying a Hindu, a higher rate than for Muslims (14%), Jews (11%), or Buddhists (9%).

These findings, compiled over eight months of collaboration with academics, interfaith leaders, and community members, underscore the urgent need for action. Professor Hopkins praised the report’s evidence-based approach, while Peter lauded GPS for bringing Hinduphobia into public discourse.

Beyond documenting these challenges, our report proposes an actionable four-pillar strategy to address Hinduphobia:

  1. Legal Reforms: Strengthen Scotland’s Hate Crime Act to explicitly recognize Hinduphobia as a distinct form of prejudice.
  2. Education: Revise school curricula to include accurate teachings about Hindu history and culture, countering ignorance and stereotypes.
  3. Workplace Policies: Mandate anti-discrimination training and clear guidelines for religious accommodations in public and private sectors.
  4. Community Support: Establish interfaith networks and victim support hubs to foster solidarity and resilience.

As Dhruva Kumar, Sukhi Bains and Neil Lal, authors of the report, aptly stated: “This isn’t a Hindu issue alone. It’s about building a Scotland where diversity is protected.”

The significance of this report extends far beyond Scotland. It has sparked widespread dialogue, with coverage in over 110 media outlets worldwide, including ANI, Press Trust of India, HinduPost The Week, The Tribune, Business Standard, The Print and WashingtonDCDespatch, as well as prominent Asian platforms like Awaz FM.

Dhruva Kumar said: “Scotland has a long tradition of welcoming diversity. We must uphold those values by ensuring that no religious community faces marginalisation or discrimination.”

The full report is available for review here.

Welby Resigns At Last

ARCHBISHOP of CANTERBURY JUSTIN WELBY HAS RESIGNED

His statement reads:

Having sought the gracious permission of His Majesty The King, I have decided to resign as Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Makin Review has exposed the long-maintained conspiracy of silence about the heinous abuses of John Smyth.

When I was informed in 2013 and told that police had been notified, I believed wrongly that an appropriate resolution would follow. 

It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatising period between 2013 and 2024. 

It is my duty to honour my Constitutional and church responsibilities, so exact timings will be decided once a review of necessary obligations has been completed, including those in England and in the Anglican Communion. 

I hope this decision makes clear how seriously the Church of England understands the need for change and our profound commitment to creating a safer church. As I step down I do so in sorrow with all victims and survivors of abuse. 

The last few days have renewed my long felt and profound sense of shame at the historic safeguarding failures of the Church of England.

For nearly twelve years I have struggled to introduce improvements. It is for others to judge what has been done.

In the meantime, I will follow through on my commitment to meet victims. I will delegate all my other current responsibilities for safeguarding until the necessary risk assessment process is complete.

I ask everyone to keep my wife Caroline and my children in their prayers. They have been my most important support throughout my ministry, and I am eternally grateful for their sacrifice. Caroline led the spouses’ programme during the Lambeth Conference and has travelled tirelessly in areas of conflict supporting the most vulnerable, the women, and those who care for them locally.

I believe that stepping aside is in the best interests of the Church of England, which I dearly love and which I have been honoured to serve. I pray that this decision points us back towards the love that Jesus Christ has for every one of us. 

For above all else, my deepest commitment is to the person of Jesus Christ, my saviour and my God; the bearer of the sins and burdens of the world, and the hope of every person.

Finding support

If you or anyone you are in contact with are affected by the publication of this report and want to talk to someone independently please call the Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056 or visit safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk.

Alternatively, you may wish to contact the diocesan safeguarding team in your area or the National Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@churchofengland.org.

There are also other support services available.