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Document No 03

6/2005          Page last updated: 30 July, 2005

Guidelines for Inclusive Civic Events

Prepared by the Scottish Inter Faith Council

These guidelines are drawn up by the Scottish Inter Faith Council in an attempt to raise the awareness of civic society to the importance of being inclusive of all faiths and are offered as a help to those designing and organising public civic events.

1. Context

1.1 Scottish life and culture has been moulded by the Christian faith from the 5th century CE onwards although there have been people of different faiths and cultures present in Britain since Roman times. Throughout the last century there has been an increase in the number of people from different cultures and faiths coming to live in Scotland to the extent that Scottish society can now be described as multicultural and multifaith. At the same time church attendance is declining and there is a growth in secularisation amongst many who would have traditionally been Christian. In spite of this Scottish society continues to be influenced by Christianity in that holidays are organised around Christian festivals and much civic life is celebrated by Christian services such as the Kirking of the Council and the Scottish Parliament.

1.2 The life and culture of Scotland is significantly enriched by the presence of communities of people from diverse faith traditions. This diversity is something that needs to be acknowledged and celebrated. Beyond these different religious identities there is a common civic identity which also must be acknowledged and celebrated and it is important that civic services and events respect not only the diversity to be found in Scottish society but also reflect the commitment of the Scottish parliament to a just and inclusive society.

1.3 Civic celebrations are excellent opportunities for affirming civic society and for recognising the common civic identity of all its citizens, whatever their beliefs. Opportunities for such celebrations arise at times of national or civic importance such as royal and civic anniversaries, graduations, Remembrance Day ceremonies, responses to tragic events at local, national and international level. At these moments people are encouraged and often want to come together for common reflection and support as a witness to their common concern and commitment to a just and peaceful society. However these events are not just an opportunity for personal re-dedication and reflection. They also have a significance for civic society as they are moments for uniting people in celebrating common values and identity, in acknowledging diversity and in focusing upon the best possible future for the society and world in which we all live.

1.4 National institutions, local authorities and other organisations that plan public events and civic opportunities for shared celebrations of thanksgiving and reflection will recognise the importance of making such events as inclusive as possible. This however is not without its problems. Traditionally such civic events have been planned as Christian acts of worship. The prayers and hymns chosen often refer to Jesus in such a way as to exclude those who are not Christian and the very notion of a multifaith act of worship is questioned by many people of faith. It is possible that some religious groups may not wish to participate in multi-faith or multi-cultural events and this needs to be respected. It would be better, therefore to think of these events as a time for reflection or thanksgiving rather than a time for worship.

1.6 The situation will be quite different if a faith community invites other faiths to share in an event of dedication or celebration that is unique to that particular faith. It would then be appropriate for the service to be conducted according to that faith but it would be hoped that the need to be hospitable would ensure that the 'others' be put at their ease and that all felt welcome throughout the service.

2. Pre-Planning

2.1 Including representatives of faith communities very early on in the planning process of an event is always worthwhile and enables a sense of shared 'ownership'. It is also 'important to recognise that many people are explicitly agnostic or atheist or have no formal religious faith or belief (in the 2001 census, 33% of the Scottish population indicated that it has no religious faith). However, this does not mean that agnostics or atheists do not want to participate in public events that include a religious dimension. There is a growing awareness of an 'implicit' level of faith in some apparently 'non-religious' people. Consultations, therefore, should always be open to input from representatives from outwith the religious communities. Whatever the context it is important to ensure that no person or group in the community is in any way denigrated or made to feel excluded from civic society by either the tone or content of services or events.

2.2 Finding representatives to be part of a planning group or to take part in civic services is no simple matter. Not every faith has a representative body or person at national level. While the Christian churches have recognisable representatives for the main Christian denominations and the Jewish and Baha'i communities have national bodies that can represent their faith at national level, this is not so for other faiths.

2.3 There is no one to speak for Scottish Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism or Sikhism nor one organisation that would be recognised by all followers of those faiths as his or her representative. Sometimes it is obvious who to invite to participate in civic events particularly if they are of a religious nature but at other times it is more problematic. For example there is only one Hindu priest in Scotland at the moment and though his role is not a representative one within the community all Hindus. would recognise his learning and position. This is also the situation with the abbot of the Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Samye Ling. As the only resident abbot in Scotland he would be respected by all Buddhists but it must be remembered that he belongs to a particular Buddhist tradition and would not be seen as the representative of other traditions while his religious position in his own tradition would be honoured and respected.

2.4 Sometimes an organisation might give itself the title of Scottish and this can be interpreted as having a national status for all followers of that faith. It can be the case, however, that such so-called national organisations do not represent every branch of a particular faith. It is important to be aware that religious communities are complex and multifaceted. A national public event may be an ideal opportunity to include various branches of a religious community.

2.6 In many areas of Scotland there is no visible presence of faiths other than Christian and therefore no known representatives of faith communities to take part in civic services. This does not mean that the service or ceremony should be exclusively Christian as it is appropriate and important to recognise that Scotland is a multi faith society and that for the sake of future generations this should be publicly acknowledged. Even in an area where Christianity is the largest faith community it is no longer appropriate. to assume that everyone will share a specific Christian understanding or perspective.

3. Planning

3.1 Because of time restraint some civic events will be organised by one person or one community. When the proceedings are in the hands of one particular faith community it is important that the person or community concerned is made aware of the civic nature of the event and the need, therefore, to make the event inclusive of all. Where time allows the first step in planning will be to bring together a small group which is fairly representative of the diversity of faiths to be found in the locality.

3.2 Early on decisions will need to be made as to how 'religious' or 'non-religious' an event will be, who will host the event, where will it be held, who will participate and who will be invited. For multi faith services the locality is of particular importance and it may be that a neutral space rather than a place of worship of a particular faith would be best. Timing may also be important and it would be a good idea to try to avoid events clashing with the major festival of any faith community. Any tentative dates should be checked out with faith communities to avoid such clashes. Early consultation on these matters will help avoid unwitting, unforeseen and unnecessary discomfort and offence.

3.3 The structure of the event or service should be designed in such a way as to give equal participation to all faiths and even to those of none. This will mean that members of each faith are able to pray in their own distinctive way. It is important to emphasise that during inter faith services each faith is offering its own contribution and will express its thoughts and reflections according to its own beliefs. No one is being asked to assent to beliefs which they do not hold but to take part in a service which respects the beliefs and sincerity of all and which allows faith communities to pray in the way that they feel most comfortable.

3.4 It might be that a central idea could be chosen as a, unifying theme which gives coherence to the whole. Use of symbols, such as the lighting of candles and the use of the visual arts could be an effective way of going beyond words as could a time of shared silence which is a powerful way of uniting those of different beliefs

4. The Service

It is important that the service be as inclusive as possible.

It is often appropriate to have some kind of sharing of food or refreshments after inter faith events or services. When hospitality is offered it is essential to have an awareness of the different dietary requirements of different faith communities. Vegetarian food is usually a safe option and acceptable to most religious groups but there will be other requirements that go beyond simple vegetarianism. For orthodox Jews there will be kosher requirements and faiths such as the Jains do not eat root vegetables and others do not eat fish. It is essential that all foods be clearly labeled so that people are clear about what they are eating. Alcohol is forbidden in many religions so it is essential that non­alcoholic drinks should always be available without anyone having to specifically ask for them.

2001 Census Figures

Population of Scotland: 5062 011

Summary Code of Practice for National and Civic Events involving Faith Communities

Introduction

Civic religious events and services involving people of differing faiths needs appropriate co­ordination.

Inclusivity

An event for the whole population is enhanced when people of different faiths and no faith are recognised and included.

Opportunities .

Abundant opportunities exist for inclusive events. Examples of such events could be, Royal commemorations; Remembrance Day observances; memorial services; prayers and times for reflection in the Scottish Parliament or before local Council meetings; events focus sing on issues of common concern (e.g. World Aids Day) and University and College graduations.

Mapping out the constituency

National and local authorities should have current information about local faith communities, their places of worship and community centres and their leaders. Contact should also be made with local interfaith associations and groups and with The Scottish Interfaith Council.

Pre- Planning

A strategy, which can be used as occasion arises, should exist. Faith communities and leaders should help create the strategy. Their early involvement will increase their ownership of any event.

Possible ways of joint celebration

Representatives might read an appropriate passage from their scriptures, participate in a few moments of silence, light a candle, or participate in some other brief ritual with which all representatives feel comfortable.

Host Communities

It is appropriate for a host community to recognise the presence of people of other faiths and avoid elements which assume that all present are of the same faith.

Language/ Accessibility

Language may be significant. The Qu'ran, for example is only recited in Arabic. An English language paraphrase could be printed in an order sheet.

Events involving hospitality

Food and drink which is acceptable to all is preferable but special provision may be necessary to avoid exclusion. Also some participants may be fasting.

Further help

Local interfaith associations and the Scottish Interfaith Council may be able to provide appropriate materials and experience for helping with such occasions.

The Scottish Inter Faith Council
The St. Francis Centre
405 Cumberland Street
Glasgow G5 OSE
Telephone: 0141 4294012
admin@interfaithscotland.org

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