Dundee Inter Faith Association You can contact the Dundee Inter Faith Association by emailing Rosemary Eddy or Ken Riley.
The Roads and the
Smiles tae Dundee Dundee
Inter Faith
Association's Spring programme started with a very unusual activity.
Walkabouts
have taken place over the years, but this year marked a difference. The
walkabout normally consists of visiting places of worship. This time
members
and friends journeyed on foot from the University of Dundee Botanic
Gardens to the Labyrinth at the Maggie's Centre, Ninewells Hospital. The
Maggie's Centre is
a place where cancer patients and their families can go for informal
support
and advice in helping deal with cancer. This centre was special, the building
having been designed by world famous architect, Frank Gehry. Next to the
Maggie's Centre is the Labyrinth, an extraordinary design made from
stones set
into the landscape. Walking the Labyrinth is seen as being a tool to
meditate,
calming and healing at the same time. Its location is very
appropriate, as many people will struggle to find peace when they
are first diagnosed with cancer. For some it is akin to making a
pilgrimage, as one journeys along a convoluted path, getting near the
object of
one's desire (ie the centre of the labyrinth), then being sent off to
the outer
edges of the circle, turning more corners, walking along more paths on
the
maze-like structure, until eventually arriving at the centre. Each makes
the journey on his own. A bit like life, really! We
all arrived at the
centre of the Labyrinth, each having had the same, yet uniquely
different, experience. We walked the return journey to the Botanic
Gardens with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the common
values
that unite us all. If you would like to know more about Labyrinths or
the
Maggie's Centre, visit the following websites:
Dundee Launches Scottish Inter Faith Week
Dundee welcomed guests from all over Scotland and further to the launch of Scottish Inter Faith Week, which this year took place in the Dalhousie Building of Dundee University. There was an opportunity for people to mingle over food whilst the Ferryport Fiddlers entertained guests. A varied programme included speakers from Christian, Buddhist, Jewish and Muslim faiths, with musical contributions from Bahá’í and Sikh religions and the children from Claypotts Castle School signing choir. All linked their presentations to the theme of this year’s Scottish Inter Faith Week, “A Place of Home and Welcome”.
Scottish Inter Faith Week is a time when people of different faiths all over Scotland make a special effort to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the followers of all religions. In its sixth year, this week has been such a success, that the UK Inter Faith Network was inspired by the Scottish example to follow suit, and a similar week has just taken place in England. Harriet Crabtree, Director of the UK IFN, came especially to offer thanks for the inspiration and learning that the Scottish Inter Faith Council had given in this endeavour.
Dundee
Inter Faith Association, together with the University of Dundee and Dundee City
Council was very proud to co-host this event with the Scottish Inter Faith
Council, which is celebrating its tenth year.
A special slide programme produced by Sister Isobel Smythe outlined the
beginnings and landmark events in the history of the Scottish Inter Faith
Council. Mrs Carrie Varjavandi, Dundee Inter Faith Association gave a vote of
thanks to all who made the launch such a success.
Sun Shines On Dundee Picnic
Dundee Inter Faith Association organised a picnic in beautiful Baxter Park on 15 August 2009. Friends were invited to come and share an afternoon of food, faith, fun, and friendship. The elements looked kindly upon us too, as rain cleared and all were able to enjoy parachute games in the sun.
The award -winning Park Rangers Centre had also been booked, as an alternative should the weather have turned wet. It served as a useful base for a buffet style picnic table, and for displaying information about Dundee Inter Faith Association. It also gave an opportunity for people to view the draft version of our new equalities leaflet and offer suggestions. This leaflet, whichincludes readings from the main traditions on the theme of equality, was distributed at a high profile equalitiesconference, hosted by Dundee City Council, on 24 August.