“Interfaith dialogue is about building deeper human relationship not about conversion, evangelism or judgement of others beliefs.” Ewan Aitken.
Can you mix faith with politics? The subject is grasped by two men who should know at 6pm on Sunday 22 November in the Annandale Street Mosque during this year’s Interfaith programme. Expect a stimulating discussion – and take the chance to join in afterwards.
In conversation, Bashir Maan, a former politician, businessman and author meets Ewan Aitken, Church of Scotland minister, Poetry Garden champion and City Councillor, to explore whether someone’s faith determines their politics, whether religious beliefs jeopardise a career in politics, or whether faith and politics should be kept strictly apart.
Bashir Maan, currently Scotland’s representative on the Muslim Council of Great Britain, became the UK’s first Pakistani politician to serve Glasgow’s Kingston Ward in 1970, and was the first immigrant to become Deputy Lieutenant of Glasgow. A keen advocate for integration, Bashir is actively involved in promoting the understanding of the needs of Scotland’s Asian communities.
Ewan Aitken, who describes himself as a Christian socialist, shares Bashir’s interest in integration and encouraging dialogue. “We all believe in something even if that there is nothing but us here on earth,” he says explaining why he is taking part in Sunday’s event.
“Those beliefs shape our living at its very core. Understanding other peoples beliefs means we will be better able to be in deep relationship with them. Interfaith dialogue is about building deeper human relationship not about conversion, evangelism or judgement of others beliefs.”
This is just one of the thought-provoking discussions taking place in the Interfaith week programme which runs from 22nd to 29th November throughout Edinburgh. All events are free – and everyone is welcome, with or without faith!
Find out more from the Inter-Faith Association website and download your copy of the programme by clicking here.