The Kaleidoscope Alumni Network marked Interfaith Week, which was celebrated from 12-19 November by groups and individuals including the University’s Interfaith Steering Group and the School of Divinity. Here, we share a report from their Inaugural Interfaith Lecture in St Andrews.
The Inaugural Interfaith Lecture marked the culmination of a series of student-led events at St Andrews designed to mark Interfaith Week 2023. Events included celebrations of Diwali, an academic panel discussion and a roundtable dialogue with representatives from different faiths. The programme for the week was organised by members of the Interfaith Steering Group; David Byrne, School President of the School of Divinity; and Mimi Lowry, Convenor of the Interfaith Steering Group.
The lecture was entitled ‘Recognise the Human Race as One’ and was given by Mr Jas Singh, who reflected on unity and oneness as central aspects of Sikhi. Mr Singh considered their importance in shaping effective interfaith dialogue.
Beyond Interfaith Week, Mimi and David continue to prioritise interfaith issues. David has been collaborating closely with staff in the School of Divinity to review and restructure the curriculum so that it can diversify away from a focus on ‘Western’ religious traditions. Mimi has been working with the Chaplaincy to build on the momentum created by Interfaith Week and invite the wider St Andrews community to become more engaged in interfaith issues.
Both David and Mimi would like to see Interfaith Week become a regular celebration in the St Andrews calendar, in addition to keeping up momentum in everyday dialogue.
If any of our St Andrews alumni who would like to reach out to the team and get involved or support future celebrations, please contact [email protected].
Our thanks to David Byrne, School President of the School of Divinity, for allowing us to share this update with the Kaleidoscope Alumni Network.