"The Scottish Council of Jewish Communities welcomes the opportunity to extend its support to Islam Awareness Week 2015, and particularly to its theme of "Give a little of yourself", which is common to both our faiths. We welcome all efforts to promote better understanding between faiths and communities, and utterly repudiate the mindless stereotyping and xenophobia that ultimately affects all of us. We are pleased to join you to celebrate the diversity of the threads in the Scottish tartan, and firmly believe that unity in difference is what holds society together."
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In the prayer attributed to St. Francis, Catholics call on the Lord, to “make us instruments of your peace”. The beautiful words of this prayer continue with the assertion that, “it is in giving that we receive”. I am struck by the extent to which the theme for this year’s Islam Awareness Week "Give a little of yourself", happily mirrors this sentiment.
Giving must be at the heart of faith, both giving of ourselves and giving to others. Islam has a great and noble history of charitable giving. As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, charity is not simply recommended, but is required of every Muslim who is financially able.
Such selflessness shows religion at its best and encapsulates what it means to be a good citizen. Without belief in God, the incentive to help others becomes less pressing and the wellbeing of society suffers.
While giving time to our communities helps others, it helps us too. For Christians, the beliefs we share with Muslims in a Creator who has created us and to whom we will return acts as a constant reminder that what we do in life will be judged in eternity.
In Islam Awareness Week 2015 - I wish many blessed fruits for our Muslim community in Scotland and hope our society may to come to a fuller understanding of the good done daily throughout the world by this noble world religion.
With every good wish,
+ John Keenan
Bishop of Paisley
Giving must be at the heart of faith, both giving of ourselves and giving to others. Islam has a great and noble history of charitable giving. As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, charity is not simply recommended, but is required of every Muslim who is financially able.
Such selflessness shows religion at its best and encapsulates what it means to be a good citizen. Without belief in God, the incentive to help others becomes less pressing and the wellbeing of society suffers.
While giving time to our communities helps others, it helps us too. For Christians, the beliefs we share with Muslims in a Creator who has created us and to whom we will return acts as a constant reminder that what we do in life will be judged in eternity.
In Islam Awareness Week 2015 - I wish many blessed fruits for our Muslim community in Scotland and hope our society may to come to a fuller understanding of the good done daily throughout the world by this noble world religion.
With every good wish,
+ John Keenan
Bishop of Paisley