Edinburgh Faith Groups and Council Sign Freedom of Religion Pledge

Wednesday May 28 2025

In a historic document signed in Edinburgh last week, the city’s faith communities joined the City council in recognising, respecting, and seeking to preserve and protect freedom of religion.

The Edinburgh 900 City Council & Faith & Belief Community Accords were signed on May 17 by Robert L Aldridge, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh and Professor Joe Goldblatt, co – chair of the Edinburgh Interfaith Association.

The signing, at Edinburgh Central Mosque, was witnessed by the Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Lady Elish Angiolini. The dignitaries gathered with representatives of multiple faith communities to mark, commemorate, and celebrate the 900th Anniversary of Beliefs in the city of Edinburgh.

It was the first time in over 900 years in the City of Edinburgh (the anniversary was celebrated with a programme of events last year) that such a document has been signed.

The Edinburgh 900 City Council & Faith & Belief Community Accords confirm that members of the faith and belief community and the members of the City of Edinburgh Council recognise, respect, and seek to preserve and protect freedom of religion, working together, celebrating diversity, opposing hate and violence, committing to mutual respect, and building the future together.

The Interfaith Association was founded 35 years ago by the Rev Professor Frank Whaling of Edinburgh’s New College, and local leaders from the Islamic, Jewish, Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, and Bah’ai faiths. Since the founding of the association it has become the longest continually operating interfaith organisation in Scotland.

Life and Work is the magazine of the Church of Scotland. June issue out now.

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