"Building Bridges of Understanding in a Divided World."

Thank you to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Scotland for the warm invite to their annual Peace Symposium dedicated to “promoting dialogue, mutual respect, and lasting peace within our society.”

The event was well attended with a wide representation of people of different beliefs with several speakers sharing their take on interfaith connection and collaboration and how this is possible in our divided world.

 “In the true heart of all our faiths is the vision of unity.”

Concerns were expressed about the wellbeing of and harm suffered by many communities and how individual interests are being prioritised before humanity. The current media and how it influences both adults and young people was explored, with recognition that we live in a world of “instant misunderstanding, where outrage travels faster than the truth.”

“We share a common humanity”

Questions on how we can pass the peace message to our young people were asked by some guests and discussed by the panel. The offered suggestions focused on keeping the honest conversations with our young people going, so they do not seek the truth from social media channels but speak to real people. The key role of education was pointed out and that this needs to work in both directions - our young people learning from us as adults, but we, the adults also listening and learning from the insightful questions that our young people ask and challenge us with. We all have a shared responsibility to demonstrate we are determined and able to work together, focus on the things that unite us and create a peaceful world for our children.

“Community is built on people choosing to listen to one another”

We heard several examples of collaboration amongst communities with different beliefs in Scotland and in Fife. All belief systems agreed on the importance of humanity and the core values of peace, dignity and care for those in disadvantaged situations regardless of skin colour, cultural background and beliefs. The guest speakers shared their thoughts and commitment to supporting each other, standing side by side for “Love for all, hatred for none.”

“Peace is not passive; it’s something we build together”

Thank you to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Scotland for creating the space for such valuable conversations and new connections, between unique individuals and local organisations with common belief in peaceful resolutions, with common intent to help others and to build diverse and inclusive communities.

In Fife, our Common Grounds Network creates the conditions for interfaith dialogue focusing on deeper understanding, common values and respect for different beliefs (including those with no specific belief), cultures and humanity.

If you are an individual or organisation, who would like to connect with others and help build stronger community voice for inclusion in Fife, please get in touch with us. Our projects Fife Common Grounds Network, the Fife Inclusion Network, or our Fife Equalities Forum might be the place for you to meet other like-minded people in an informal setting, share your insights and help bring positive change.

You can reach us using the contact details below:

Address: Fife Centre for Equalities, New Volunteer House, 16 East Fergus Place, Kirkcaldy, KY1 1XT.

Phone: 01592 645 310

Text: 07800 005 834

E-mail: info@centreforequalities.org.uk

Website: centreforequalities.org.uk