Interfaith service hailed by politicians

Elected members have praised the impact of the annual Renfrewshire Interfaith Service in bringing people together as it marked its fifth year, writes local democracy reporter Jack Thomson.

Councillors Andy and Audrey Doig attended the service at Wallneuk North Church, in Paisley, on Sunday, before praising it for its commitment to creating respect and understanding among people of different faiths.

Andy, an Independent member for Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch, said the couple were delighted to mark the end of Scottish Interfaith Week by attending the event.

He said:“For years there has been a lot of interfaith work going on in Glasgow, so I welcome the work of Renfrewshire Interfaith and congratulate the Reverend Peter Gill especially, their convener, who is their guiding light.

“All of the various faith communities in my ward enrich the life of the community in so many ways, either by working on peace and justice issues by speaking out against nuclear weapons, or through faith leaders offering a supportive ear for people going through a personal crisis in their lives.”

SNP councillor Audrey, who represents Houston, Crosslee and Linwood, explained the shape the event took and said it was “extremely inclusive”.

“Representatives of various different Christian denominations were present,” she said.“

Other world faiths represented from Renfrewshire included Islam, Sikhism and Hinduism.

“The service was extremely inclusive and especially interesting was a lovely couples’ blessing, which Andy and I took part in along with many others,”she added

“We were all presented with interfaith peace scarves. In the uncertain world we live in today people need the reassurance of faith in their lives and Renfrewshire Interfaith shows the positive face of this.”