Posts Tagged ‘ stirling ’

Baha’is in Iran

January 8, 2011

Jeremy Fox, Stirling Baha’is, Jan.2011

A strongly-worded letter has been circulated by the International Baha’i Community, which has its permanent office at the United Nations in New York and represents one hundred and eighty-six national Bahá’í communities. This open letter is addressed to the head of the judiciary in Iran.

The Bahá’ís constitute Iran’s largest non-Muslim religious minority and have for 30 years endured a state-sponsored campaign of persecution. Their livelihoods and education are frustrated, their property often confiscated, their cemeteries desecrated, and nearly 50 Baha’is are presently in jail.

At their recent trial the seven former leaders, who have already been in ‘temporary detention’ for over 4 years, were condemned to a further 10 years: their legal council, the Nobel laureate Dr Shirin Ebadi, said that no credible evidence was offered.

The open letter closes with the following : “In Gohardasht Prison, there are surely other innocent inmates. How can you allow any soul to be subjected to that prison’s appalling state of filth, pestilence, disease, and the privation of facilities for basic personal hygiene? Such an odious and degrading environment is unworthy of even the most dangerous criminals. Does the government of Iran believe the principles of Islamic compassion and justice to be consistent with the imposition of such conditions on citizens? Why are the prisoners’ pressing needs for medical care and treatment ignored? Who will be called to account if the health of any of these seven further deteriorates? Why are these innocent individuals not given adequate food, and why are they confined to prison cells of such insufficient space as to make it difficult for them to lie down…?”

With reference to the more general mistreatment of the Bahá’ís in Iran they state: “Consider how the members of the Bahá’í community are continually forced to withstand the slander of their beliefs and the distortion of their history in government-supported mass media; to endure provocations in the streets, from the pulpits, and with the support of certain officials, that incite hatred against them; to suffer illegal imprisonment; to see themselves denied access to higher education and to the means of earning a livelihood; to have their children suffer abuse and vilification in schools; and to witness their properties destroyed and their cemeteries desecrated with the support and approval of government authorities.”

CSI Constitution

April 26, 2010

CSI – Central Scotland Interfaith

The forum to promote inter faith encounter in Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling.

Registered as a Scottish Charity under Scottish Charity No SC041399

Constitution

Name

The name of the organisation will be “CSI – Central Scotland Interfaith” (hereinafter referred to as “the Group”)

Object

The object of the Group is to provide the people of Central Scotland who are members of religious communities with a forum for dialogue to facilitate the building of bridges of understanding together and in furtherance thereof the Group will seek:-
a)   To promote good relations and respect between people of different religious communities in Central Scotland.
b)   To foster friendship trust and mutual understanding between peoples of all religions and to improve communication links between the religious communities.
c)   To liaise with social and civic organisations in order to receive their concerns, and to disseminate information to members of the Group on their behalf as appropriate
d)   To associate with the national and local statutory authorities, religious and belief communities, voluntary organisations and inhabitants of the Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling Council areas as appropriate
e)   To encourage social activity and disseminate information about interfaith activities to people of all ages in the local communities
f)   To consult and to co-operate in religious, racial and social issues and other matters of material concern and speak out when appropriate.
g)   To promote projects, meetings and events whereby religious communities can inform people of all ages in the local communities about their beliefs and traditions.
h)   To work together against prejudice of all kinds and to seek solutions to problems experienced by local religious communities in the practice of their religion and beliefs.
i)   To raise funds by means, and for charitable causes, agreed by the Group.

Powers

In pursuance of the foregoing object (but not further or otherwise) the committee shall have the power to:-
a)   Engage and pay fees to professional and technical advisers/consultants to assist in the work of the Group.
b)   Bring together in conference and work in liaison with representatives of voluntary organisations, government departments, local and other statutory authorities and individuals.
c)   Take out membership of, assist financially, and/or assist otherwise such organisations as are engaged on the furtherance of all or any of the objects of the Group.
d)   Promote and carry out or assist in promoting and carrying out research, experimental work, surveys and investigations and where considered appropriate publish the results.
e)   In participation with others, arrange and provide for or join in arranging and providing for the holding of exhibitions, meetings, lectures, classes, seminars and training courses.
f)   Collect and disseminate information on all matters affecting the object and exchange information with other bodies having similar object whether in this country or overseas.
g)   To charge the public such fees and expenses as the committee shall see fit in respect of the education, training provided hereunder.
h)   Cause to be written and printed or otherwise reproduced and circulated free of charge or for payment, such papers, books, periodicals, pamphlets or other documents, films or recorded tapes (whether audio or video or both) as shall further the object.
i)   Raise funds and invite and receive contributions from any body, persons or person whomsoever by way of subscription and otherwise, being mindful of the object of the Group.
j)   Invest and re-invest the moneys of the Group not immediately required for the said objectives in or upon such investments, securities or property as may be thought fit, and perform all the necessary acts of administration relating to the funds and assets of the Group, subject nevertheless to such conditions (if any) as may for the time being be imposed or required by the law relating to investments by trustees.
k)   Enter into contracts on behalf of the Group.
l)   Authorise the execution of all Deeds and Instruments necessary or expedient for any of the foregoing purpose or for more effectually vesting in the Group any property and funds belonging to the Group or under its administration.
m)   Do all such other lawful things as are necessary for or incidental or conducive to the attainment of the object and
n)   Delegate powers to carry out such of the foregoing activities, as they deem consistent with the aims of the Group.

Membership

Membership will be open to individuals and groups who are committed to the objectives of the Group. Members will be required to pay a membership fee as detailed in the standing orders.

Administration

he Group will be based in Scotland and governed by the law of Scotland.

The Committee

The committee will be elected at the AGM and will be comprised of
Convener
Vice Convener
Secretary
Treasurer
plus up to three other members as described in the standing orders.

To provide wide representation of religious communities, there shall be no more than two members of the same faith or religion as members of the committee at the same time. Committee members shall serve for a period of two years. One half of the members will stand down each year and will be eligible for re-election. In the first election only the convener and treasurer will be elected for two years, and the vice convener and secretary for one year.

The committee shall have power to adopt standing orders for the Group. Such standing orders which will be consistent and complementary to the terms of the constitution, shall come into operation immediately, but if considered necessary, shall be subject to review.

In the event of any resignations between AGMs, the committee has the power to co-opt a replacement until the AGM following.

Meetings

Committee Meetings shall be held at least three times per annum in each calendar year. A quorum for the meetings shall be a majority of the committee members. In the absence of a quorum within ½ hr the meeting shall be adjourned to a place and time determined by the members of the committee present. The members present shall be a quorum at such an adjourned meeting.

Proceedings for each meeting shall be minuted.

The Annual General Meeting will be held within 15 months of the previous AGM. Membership will be given at least 21days notice of the date and venue of the meeting through publication to members whose details are contained within the distribution list held on behalf of the Group by the Secretary. A quorum for general meetings shall be eight people.

A Special General Meeting shall be called at the direction of the Group or upon request of no less than two thirds of the committee. No less than 28 days notice of the agenda shall be given.

Accounts

The Treasurer shall keep proper accounting records and prepare an Annual Report and Statements of Account each fiscal year. These shall be subject to independent examination and approval. A copy shall be sent to the Inland Revenue and the Office of the Scottish Charities’ Regulator (OSCR) on request.

Assets

None of the Group’s assets may be distributed or otherwise applied (on being wound up or at any other time) except to further its charitable purposes.

Charitable Purpose

The expression “charitable purpose” shall mean a charitable purpose under section 7 of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 which is also regarded as a charitable purpose in relation to the application of the Taxes Acts.

Amendments to the Constitution

Amendments to the constitution may be proposed at the Annual General Meeting, or at a Special General Meeting, called for that purpose. Any such proposals to alter the constitution must be delivered to the Convener or Secretary not less than 28 days before the meeting at which they are to be considered.

No amendment shall be made which would have the effect of causing the Group to cease to be a recognised body.

Termination

Should the Group be reduced at any time to an amount which, in the opinion of the committee, is such that the object shall fail or otherwise be incapable of fulfilment or if for any other reason the committee shall consider it expedient that it be wound up, then the Group shall be dissolved. In the event of the dissolution of the Group, any assets remaining after the satisfaction of all debts and liabilities shall not be paid to or distributed among the members of the Group, but shall be given or transferred to the Scottish Inter Faith Council (SC022486) or to another organisation having objects similar to those of the Group.

Adoption

This constitution was adopted at the inaugural general meeting of the Group held at Falkirk on December 12, 2009, and amended at a special general meeting held at Bridge of Allan on March 28, 2010.

CSI Archive

March 2, 2010

From the Committee

Central Scotland Interfaith entered a new phase on Saturday 12 December when our first AGM was held after the Pot Luck Lunch in St Xavier’s Church Hall, Falkirk.

Over the past year, monthly gatherings have been held in different homes over the region, mainly on a Sunday evening. There have also been meetings in public venues.

At the AGM a constitution was agreed and this will be sent to OSCR (Office of Scottish Charity Regulator) with a view to seeking Charity Status.

It was also agreed to vary both the days of monthly meetings and the venues – to include public venues, so as to hopefully appeal to more people.

The programme for the coming year will continue to have meetings in different parts of Central Scotland on the last Sunday evening of each month, alternating between public venues and private homes.

The Steering Group has been succeeded by a new committee: Dr Satwant Multani (Convener), Mr Jeremy Fox (Vice-Convener), Mr Andrew Sarle (Secretary), Mr ‘Iffy’ Ahmad (Treasurer) and Mrs Margaret Boland.

We would welcome your suggestions for Projects, Venues, Topics, and Speakers. Please pass on suggestions for developing your Central Scotland Interfaith (CSI) to any member of the committee.

It was also agreed at the AGM to ask those interested to become members of CSI. The annual subscription for 2010 has been set by the committee at £5 per person, although if you think that is too cheap you are welcome to give more. Until we are granted charitable status, subs should be paid in cash, and receipts will be issued by either the Secretary or Treasurer. To be eligible for membership you need to be resident, or associated with the area and be a member of a recognised faith community.

The committee propose initiating some new projects – with the additional outcome of a higher profile for us. Our initial suggestions include hosting a “hustings” meeting for the general election, and an environmental symposium in the Autumn. Also we plan to arrange visits to the Glasgow Central Gurudwara and Glasgow Reform Synagogue.

Events in 2009

Twelve people attended our inaugural AGM and lunch in Falkirk on December 12. A constitution was adopted and the steering group plus Margaret Boland elected as the first committee.

Several members were present at the Scottish Churches’ House “Meeting Points” evening on Dec. 4. The theme was “Festivals of Light” and included sharing experiences of Diwali and Chanukar.

A dozen members gathered in the home of Dr & Mrs Ishaq Abu-Arafeh in Stirling on November 22, for our regular “get-together“. After a splendid home-made Palestinian snack, members discussed some issues in advance of the AGM and talked about climate change initiatives.

Our One World Week Inter Faith Service on October 25 was very well attended. Over 50 people were present at Erskine Church in Falkirk, and joined in singing and praying together. Reflections were led by Ruth Cape, Carolyn and Jeremy Fox, Gordon Reid, Andrew Sarle and Christine Webster. Prayers were led by people from the Baha’i, Christian, Muslim and Sikh traditions. Musical accompaniment was provided by Bob Tait. Many thanks to Glendon Macaulay and the members of Erskine.

Sunday September 27 saw the largest gathering in Satwant Multani’s home. Over 30 people crowded in to hear Paul give a presentation about Global Peace Festivals, and plans for the One World Week Service were firmed up. CSI were pleased to be visited by a large contingent of Sikh brothers and sisters, some from Glasgow, and others from India.

CSI’s Last Sunday Get-together was held on Wednesday 29 July! The main topic of discussion was about some of the differences between Catholics and Protestants, which our Sikh convener found most interesting.

CSI were represented at the Scottish Inter Faith Council’s annual networking seminar in Glasgow on June 28. Satwant and Andrew took part in Maureen Sier’s presentation about local interfaith groups, and Christine was also present.

30 people were present at CSI’s second Public Meeting, generously hosted by Provost Pat Reid in Falkirk Council Chambers on June 4. Dr Maureen Sier and Dr Geoff Lachlan gave presentations on educational resources – Maureen on the DVD of Beyond Tolerance and Geoff spoke about the booklet Values in Harmony. For more information see www.freshlightfilms.com and www.acts-scotland.org/cairs/downloads/values_in_harmony.pdf

Sunday, March 31, saw nine members sharing food, conversation and sunshine in our secretary’s garden. An interesting discussion ensued after reading words spoken by Pope Benedict at an interreligious dialogue in which he took part in Jerusalem on May 11. In his address he included these pertinent words, “While the differences we explore in interreligious dialogue may at times appear as barriers, they need not overshadow the common sense of awe and respect for the universal, for the absolute and for truth, which impels religious peoples to converse with one another in the first place.”

At the April Get-together, held at the home of CSI treasurer Mr Iffy Hussein, we were joined by no less than three Imams, and lively discussions over a sumptuous feast ensued.

The Revs Stuart and Sally Fulton hosted the March Get-together in their Causewayhead home. The usual interesting discussions were not hampered by the lower turnout than usual.

The Visit to Otago Street Gurudwara, Glasgow on March 15 was very successful. 6 CSI members, joined by 7 folk from other parts of Scotland, were made most welcome, and enjoyed observing Sikh worship and sharing in langar (a communal meal).

The February “Last Sunday ” Get-together was held on Feb.22 at the home of CSI’s steering group convener, Dr Satwant Multani. Satwant welcomed 10 members of other faith communities into his home and after a Sikh prayer, explained the meaning and significance of the turban. The discussion that ensued covered a wide range of topics, including what happens when a child “marries out” of his or her parents’ religion.

The January “Last Sunday” spiritual conversation on Jan.25 was held in the home of Pat and Parveen Morrissey (in Stirling) of the Baha’i Community, and was a great success with fourteen eager participants. Parveen introduced some Baha’i prayers and spoke briefly about the Baha’i faith. The group then discussed a number of spiritual values common to different faiths in small groups.

Registered as a Scottish Charity under Scottish Charity No SC041399

CSI

February 23, 2009

CSI – Central Scotland Interfaith

The forum to promote inter faith encounter in Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling.

Registered as a Scottish Charity under Scottish Charity No SC041399

Contact CSI

By email at csi [at] irenic.org.uk (replace [at] with @) or phone the Secretary, Andrew, on 07743 726013

Coming Events

Sunday, February 19, 7pm to 9pm

Venue: Stirling Methodist Church, Queen St., Stirling FK8 1HL

Topic: Leadership on Values

Discussion Leader: Jon Cape

In preparation for delivering a “Time for Reflection” at the Scottish Parliament in the Autumn, Jon would like us to consider how faith communities and politicans can provide leadership in issues such as climate change.

For directions to the venue, consult stirlingmethodist.org.uk

Provisional dates for the rest of the first half of 2012:

All meeting dates are Sundays from 7pm to 9pm. Some topics and venues are still to be confirmed.

March 25 AGM & Prison Chaplaincy (with Donald Scott from Polmont YOI)

Venue: Bainsford Parish Church, Smith St, Falkirk FK2 7ND (for travel directions, contact the Secretary)

April 15 (date changed)

May 13 (date changed)

June 17

Subscriptions (£5 per annum) for 2012 can be paid at any time prior to the AGM. All meetings are open to members and non-members alike, but only paid up members may stand for the committee or vote at general meetings. Membership application forms can be obtained from the Secretary.

Recent Events:

Our first meeting of 2012 was on Peace, with Helen Steven and Helen Moxley leading a workshop/discussion on the theme. Twelve members were challenged to unpack how if peace is at the heart of all world religions that the world is not at peace.

We met in St Francis Xavier Church Hall in December to share food and musical items from different faith communities. Members of Cumbernauld Gaelic Choir sang three songs, and Carolyn Fox and Nik Sier presented contrasting items based on Baha’i scripture. The evening concluded with all those present joining in and singing two Christmas carols.

Our November meeting was hosted by members of the Spiritual Care Team at the Forth Valley Royal Hospital. Ken Russell gave a most informative talk about the role of Chaplains in hospitals and a lively discussion ensued.

About 20 people met in October at Stirling University Chaplaincy, and watched the DVD of “An African Answer”, the sequel to “The Imam and the Pastor”. This focussed on reconciliation work carried out by the two Nigerian clerics in Kenya. A lively discussion ensued, aided by the presence of Nigerian and Kenya visitors.

Our September meeting discussed the relationships between faith communities and the wider local community, focussing on the role religious groups have in caring for the less fortunate around them.

In June we met to hear about pilgrmage from a number of different faith perspectives. Christian, Muslim, Sikh and Baha’i pilgrimages were described by a range of participants. The common features of these journeys in faith were then compared.

Our May meeting was led by Dr Maureen Sier, at which those present discussed what we understood by the term “inter faith“. We also looked at the recently published Scottish Government resource “Belief in Dialogue” of which Maureen had been a member of the writing team.

Our second AGM was held on March 27 at Stirling University. The committee was re-elected for a further year. The business meeting was followed by viewing a DVD of “The Imam and the Pastor”, and a discussion on some of the issues raised. CSI now owns a copy of the DVD which may be borrowed from the Secretary.

Our February meeting took place in St Francis Xavier Church Hall, and included a presentation on Fair Trade by Terri Paterson, the convener of Fair Trade Falkirk, and tasting some fair trade products.

A few members met on January 30, and discovered that there were few differences in the ways that religions practised acts of charity.

Members of the Baha’i, Christian and Muslim communities met on Nov.9, and discussed the ways in which their faiths addressed the issues of justice. It became clear that the three religions had much in common on this matter.

CSI’s biggest crowd gathered in Cambuskenneth Village Hall on Sunday September 27th to share how the different faith groups present dealt with rites of passage. Ably chaired by Dr Ishak Abu Arafeh, there were contributions from all of the faiths represented. A grand banquet followed the discussion – thanks to all the families who contributed.

Our August meeting included a discussion about how different religions commemorate the harvest season. A collection in aid of the Pakistan Floods Appeal was taken and £117 collected from the eight members present. Throughout Ramadan our charity collection boxes in local shops were re-labelled for the Pakistan Floods Appeal, and a further £483 collected. Consequently the sum of £600 was sent to The British Red Cross Pakistan Floods Appeal.

The July meeting in Falkirk was led by members of the Unification Church, who presented their principle of the cross-cultural family as the source of peace and harmony.

The June meeting was held in Shieldhill, and attended by Hugh O’Donnell MSP, Stirling Provost Fergus Wood and Falkirk Depute Provost Allyson Black. The theme discussed was the role of women in religion, with an emphasis on Sikhism.

On Saturday June 5, we engaged in our first service project, clearing rubbish from the riverbank in Stirling starting from the Customs roundabout, along Lovers Lane to the Riverside Boathouse.

Members of several local Faith groups, including various Christian denominations and Baha’is, were joined by Bruce Crawford MSP with equipment provided by Stirling Council. The quantity of rubbish in this area proved to be impressive with the added challenge of the tangle of prolific summer undergrowth.

We hope to undertake further service projects, feeling that doing things together strengthens relationships in a way that just talking does not.

There were about a dozen members and friends at Scottish Churches’ House in Dunblane on May 30 to hear Dr Maureen Sier speak of the need for inter faith dialogue as a peace making and bridge building perspective.

Nine members were the guests of Carolyn and Jeremy Fox in Stirling for our April Get-together, and Parvin gave us an insight into past and present persecution of Baha’is.

The March meeting was held in Bridge of Allan on Palm Sunday, the start of what Christians call Holy Week. Our host, Dom Ind, co-director of the Scottish Centre for Inter Faith & Spirituality, explained the significant events of that week, and how many Christians commemorate them.

The February Meeting, was held in Clackmannanshire for the first time, in Alva, at the home of Monty Fatemi. Nine members held a lively discussion after hearing about Satwant and Iffy’s recent visit to Pakistan, where they met many people of influence in inter faith in that country..

January’s meeting was held in the rather less than warm surroundings of the chapel at Falkirk Royal Infirmary. Ten members met and discussed, among other things, homelessness and how a just and loving God could permit events such as the Haiti earthquake.