An enlightening publication with the purpose of promoting GOOD COMMUNITY RELATIONS, as described by 11 RELIGIONS AND BELIEFS. Here is an interesting excerpt from the GLOSSARY at the end of the document, followed by quotes from the different Faith communities that illustrate commonality of values:
RELIGION
The sharing with like-minded people in rites, rituals, teachings, and sacred scriptures as a way of reverencing, worshipping, and following a belief in a supernatural force ("God," "the Ultimate," etc). This is how some people choose to express their own spirituality.
SPIRITUALITY
This is what gives our life meaning and purpose and connects us with the rest of humanity and creation. It involves the recognition and meeting of certain basic needs in all people:
To be loved and give love, to feel valued and wanted, to have self esteem, reassurance, peace, happiness, to be able to deal with guilt and be forgiven....to mention a few.
These are all positive values that contribute towards the greater good of Humanity, and thus enable people to feel a connection with others. By using this definition, we are all Spiritual Beings and appreciation of this fact should help us to understand that we all share common core values in promoting good community relations.
The following quotes are taken from the submissions by the eleven different faith and belief communities in this document to illustrate this commonality of values:
"Bahá'í beliefs are expressed in their commitment to initiatives that promote unity and encourage social cohesion, work for which they have been praised by the UN and the United Kingdom government." [Baha'i Faith].
"It is therefore considered wise to act in a selfless way with loving kindness, mindfulness, generosity and compassion towards all beings. This is the essence of Buddhist ethics." [Buddhism].
"All of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind." [Christianity].
"We find real happiness when we think outside of ourselves. That is true joy."
[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints].
"We should all live together; work together and there should be no jealousy."
[Hinduism].
"Humanism is ethical. It affirms the worth, dignity and autonomy of the individual .....and Humanists have a duty of care to all of humanity, including future generations."
[Humanism].
"Behave politely to those who do not know you; forgive those who have oppressed you; give to those who have never given you anything; and make brothers of those who have denied their brotherhood with you."
[Islam].
"The essence of Jainism is concern for the welfare of every being in the whole universe. Each of these souls whatever form it may be in is considered of equal value and should be treated with respect and compassion."
[Jainism].
"What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour: that is the whole Torah, and the rest is commentary."
[Judaism].
"Pagan ethics emphasise taking responsibility for one's actions and trying to live in harmony with others, and with nature. This arises from our belief that everything is interconnected, and that everything affects everything else."
[Paganism].
"A Sikh undertakes social rights, responsibilities and duties; he expels all ego."
[Sikhism].
Original (PDF format, lengthy) is found here, excerpts included below:
http://www.acts-scotland.org/cairs/downloads/values_in_harmony.pdf
Values in Harmony
THE PROMOTION OF GOOD COMMUNITY RELATIONS
DESCRIBED BY 11 RELIGIONS AND BELIEFS IN SCOTLAND
"Treat others as you would expect to be treated"
--Values in Harmony
FOREWORD
The promotion of good relations is something which is very close to my heart. Constructive dialogue and debate are tools we need to use to achieve a Scotland built on mutual trust, respect and understanding. Modern Scotland is a diverse multi-faith and belief and multi-cultural society. Everyone, regardless of background, needs to feel fully integrated into a society which we all share. In Scotland, everyone is welcome and no-one should be a stranger.
In celebrating difference we also recognise our shared humanity, a virtue which is clearly illustrated throughout 'Values in Harmony'. It is fascinating to read about the eleven religions and beliefs which are discussed in this document, particularly since most of the contributions come from individuals working at grassroots level within their communities. As such 'Values in Harmony' provides an unique insight into values ordinary individuals draw from their religion or belief.
It can be all too easy for communities to feel isolated from main stream society, particularly during times of economic strife, and I am delighted that the Equality and Human Rights Commission were able to fund the 'Values in Harmony' initiative as one of the many ways to help bring our diverse communities together. I believe that this document will be a valuable tool for the promotion of good relations between different communities in Scotland and commend it to anyone who is involved in developing constructive community dialogue. By working together we can make Scotland a safer and stronger place for all of our people and celebrate and embrace the diversity which makes us all modern Scots.
FERGUS EWING, MSP,
Minister for Community Safety.
Edinburgh, March 2009.
INTRODUCTION
This Project was funded by the Equality and Human Rights Commission One Year Grants
Scheme, and managed by the Scottish Inter Faith Council. It was carried out between April
2008 and March 2009.
AIM
The main aim of the Project was described in terms of an OUTCOME to be achieved:
To produce a resource of teachings, writings, and attitudes from the 10 major Religion and Belief communities in Scotland that will demonstrate their commonality in promoting "Good Relations" with each other; and to use this as a tool to raise awareness in women and young people of how their Religion or Belief can lead to increased community cohesion, integration, and harmony.
In practice it proved quite challenging to produce the document, and thus the second part of the Project's outcome is still being carried out, with the two of five awareness-raising focus groups now held.
A secondary aim of the Project was to inform the debate that currently surrounds the future of multiculturalism and its failure to promote integration and cohesion in our nation. Whilst not purporting to be the magical answer to this complex problem, it is hoped that it will go some way to reassure communities and government that there is much that is positive in people from any faith or belief community sharing together. In this way, emphasis can be placed on what actually binds communities together rather than on the differences that divide them. The unifying theme is that there is a commonality of core ethical and moral values shared by all of humankind, irrespective of any particular faith or belief. All of these values could be summed up by the principle known as the "Golden Rule":
"Do not do to others as you would not have them do to you."
Or, in the positive:
"Treat others as you would expect to be treated."
....
METHODOLOGY
The unique significance of this document is the fact that with one exception, all the submissions were produced at the grassroots level by representatives from the different faith and belief communities. The religion of Jainism was also included, although membership is very small in Scotland. Thus a working group of eleven lay representatives from each of the Baha'i Faith, Buddhism, Christianity, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Hinduism, Humanism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Paganism, and Sikhism were engaged to produce scriptures, readings, attitudes, and principles from their own tradition that demonstrated values to support the concept of the Golden Rule. These representatives came from communities in Eskdalemuir, Fife, Galashiels, Glasgow, Barrhead, and Alloa.
Values were chosen from: Love, Compassion, Respect, Justice, Mercy, Forgiveness, Humility, Respect for Community, Respect for Nature / Ecology, Concern for Other People, and any Codes of Ethical Conduct. Two joint evening working meetings were held, to confirm agreement with the direction of the Project, and, in particular, to ensure that there were no potentially "offending" quotes.
The MISSION STATEMENT of the Equality and Human Rights Commission is:
"To reduce inequality, eliminate discrimination, promote and protect human rights, and
strengthen good relations,"
And thus its VALUES are:
"Equality, Human Rights, and Good Relations."
With respect to promoting "good community relations" the urgent need to do this is described in the following chapter, where the current context is examined. The theme is developed that good community relations can only be attained through a mutual understanding of the common ethical and moral values of the diverse faith and belief communities that make up our society in Scotland today.
"By working together we can celebrate and embrace the
diversity which makes us all modern Scots."
-- Values in Harmony
RELIGION
The sharing with like-minded people in rites, rituals, teachings, and sacred scriptures as a way of reverencing, worshipping, and following a belief in a supernatural force ("God," "the Ultimate," etc). This is how some people choose to express their own spirituality.
SPIRITUALITY
This is what gives our life meaning and purpose and connects us with the rest of humanity and creation. It involves the recognition and meeting of certain basic needs in all people:
To be loved and give love, to feel valued and wanted, to have self esteem, reassurance, peace, happiness, to be able to deal with guilt and be forgiven....to mention a few.
These are all positive values that contribute towards the greater good of Humanity, and thus enable people to feel a connection with others. By using this definition, we are all Spiritual Beings and appreciation of this fact should help us to understand that we all share common core values in promoting good community relations.
The following quotes are taken from the submissions by the eleven different faith and belief communities in this document to illustrate this commonality of values:
"Bahá'í beliefs are expressed in their commitment to initiatives that promote unity and encourage social cohesion, work for which they have been praised by the UN and the United Kingdom government." [Baha'i Faith].
"It is therefore considered wise to act in a selfless way with loving kindness, mindfulness, generosity and compassion towards all beings. This is the essence of Buddhist ethics." [Buddhism].
"All of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind." [Christianity].
"We find real happiness when we think outside of ourselves. That is true joy."
[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints].
"We should all live together; work together and there should be no jealousy."
[Hinduism].
"Humanism is ethical. It affirms the worth, dignity and autonomy of the individual .....and Humanists have a duty of care to all of humanity, including future generations."
[Humanism].
"Behave politely to those who do not know you; forgive those who have oppressed you; give to those who have never given you anything; and make brothers of those who have denied their brotherhood with you."
[Islam].
"The essence of Jainism is concern for the welfare of every being in the whole universe. Each of these souls whatever form it may be in is considered of equal value and should be treated with respect and compassion."
[Jainism].
"What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour: that is the whole Torah, and the rest is commentary."
[Judaism].
"Pagan ethics emphasise taking responsibility for one's actions and trying to live in harmony with others, and with nature. This arises from our belief that everything is interconnected, and that everything affects everything else."
[Paganism].
"A Sikh undertakes social rights, responsibilities and duties; he expels all ego."
[Sikhism].
Original (PDF format, lengthy) is found here, excerpts included below:
http://www.acts-scotland.o
Values in Harmony
THE PROMOTION OF GOOD COMMUNITY RELATIONS
DESCRIBED BY 11 RELIGIONS AND BELIEFS IN SCOTLAND
"Treat others as you would expect to be treated"
--Values in Harmony
FOREWORD
The promotion of good relations is something which is very close to my heart. Constructive dialogue and debate are tools we need to use to achieve a Scotland built on mutual trust, respect and understanding. Modern Scotland is a diverse multi-faith and belief and multi-cultural society. Everyone, regardless of background, needs to feel fully integrated into a society which we all share. In Scotland, everyone is welcome and no-one should be a stranger.
In celebrating difference we also recognise our shared humanity, a virtue which is clearly illustrated throughout 'Values in Harmony'. It is fascinating to read about the eleven religions and beliefs which are discussed in this document, particularly since most of the contributions come from individuals working at grassroots level within their communities. As such 'Values in Harmony' provides an unique insight into values ordinary individuals draw from their religion or belief.
It can be all too easy for communities to feel isolated from main stream society, particularly during times of economic strife, and I am delighted that the Equality and Human Rights Commission were able to fund the 'Values in Harmony' initiative as one of the many ways to help bring our diverse communities together. I believe that this document will be a valuable tool for the promotion of good relations between different communities in Scotland and commend it to anyone who is involved in developing constructive community dialogue. By working together we can make Scotland a safer and stronger place for all of our people and celebrate and embrace the diversity which makes us all modern Scots.
FERGUS EWING, MSP,
Minister for Community Safety.
Edinburgh, March 2009.
INTRODUCTION
This Project was funded by the Equality and Human Rights Commission One Year Grants
Scheme, and managed by the Scottish Inter Faith Council. It was carried out between April
2008 and March 2009.
AIM
The main aim of the Project was described in terms of an OUTCOME to be achieved:
To produce a resource of teachings, writings, and attitudes from the 10 major Religion and Belief communities in Scotland that will demonstrate their commonality in promoting "Good Relations" with each other; and to use this as a tool to raise awareness in women and young people of how their Religion or Belief can lead to increased community cohesion, integration, and harmony.
In practice it proved quite challenging to produce the document, and thus the second part of the Project's outcome is still being carried out, with the two of five awareness-raising focus groups now held.
A secondary aim of the Project was to inform the debate that currently surrounds the future of multiculturalism and its failure to promote integration and cohesion in our nation. Whilst not purporting to be the magical answer to this complex problem, it is hoped that it will go some way to reassure communities and government that there is much that is positive in people from any faith or belief community sharing together. In this way, emphasis can be placed on what actually binds communities together rather than on the differences that divide them. The unifying theme is that there is a commonality of core ethical and moral values shared by all of humankind, irrespective of any particular faith or belief. All of these values could be summed up by the principle known as the "Golden Rule":
"Do not do to others as you would not have them do to you."
Or, in the positive:
"Treat others as you would expect to be treated."
....
METHODOLOGY
The unique significance of this document is the fact that with one exception, all the submissions were produced at the grassroots level by representatives from the different faith and belief communities. The religion of Jainism was also included, although membership is very small in Scotland. Thus a working group of eleven lay representatives from each of the Baha'i Faith, Buddhism, Christianity, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Hinduism, Humanism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Paganism, and Sikhism were engaged to produce scriptures, readings, attitudes, and principles from their own tradition that demonstrated values to support the concept of the Golden Rule. These representatives came from communities in Eskdalemuir, Fife, Galashiels, Glasgow, Barrhead, and Alloa.
Values were chosen from: Love, Compassion, Respect, Justice, Mercy, Forgiveness, Humility, Respect for Community, Respect for Nature / Ecology, Concern for Other People, and any Codes of Ethical Conduct. Two joint evening working meetings were held, to confirm agreement with the direction of the Project, and, in particular, to ensure that there were no potentially "offending" quotes.
The MISSION STATEMENT of the Equality and Human Rights Commission is:
"To reduce inequality, eliminate discrimination, promote and protect human rights, and
strengthen good relations,"
And thus its VALUES are:
"Equality, Human Rights, and Good Relations."
With respect to promoting "good community relations" the urgent need to do this is described in the following chapter, where the current context is examined. The theme is developed that good community relations can only be attained through a mutual understanding of the common ethical and moral values of the diverse faith and belief communities that make up our society in Scotland today.
"By working together we can celebrate and embrace the
diversity which makes us all modern Scots."
-- Values in Harmony
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