Scriptural Reasoning provides an opportunity for members of different religious traditions to gather together around sacred texts for discussion, exploration, and reflection across faith lines. The aim is not necessarily for participants to agree with one another, but to learn and explore together – to dive deeper into one's own tradition, in attentive engagement with other traditions. Learn more about scriptural reasoning here.

The theme of this session will be "ecology and the environment". The session will focus on three short scriptural passages relevant to this theme - a Jewish text from the Tanakh, a Christian text from the New Testament, and an Islamic text from the Qur'an. After an introduction to Scriptural Reasoning, and to each text in turn, participants will split into small break-out groups, each including members for these three faith traditions. In these groups, there will be time to explore the texts together.

The event will take place on Zoom, and registration is required at least 24 hours in advance. Upon registering, you will be asked to indicate your religious tradition, to ensure that a balance of faiths is represented in each small group.

Who’s involved?

We’ve got a great group of religious leaders and experts to learn from at this event!

• The practice of Scriptural Reasoning will be introduced by Prof David Ford OBE, emeritus professor of theology at the University of Cambridge and a pioneer of Scriptural Reasoning.
• The Qu’ranic text will be introduced by Dr Kholoud Al-Ajarma, lecturer in the Globalized Muslim World at the University of Edinburgh.
• The text from the Tanakh will be introduced by Rabbi Mark Solomon, Rabbi for the Edinburgh Liberal Jewish community.
• The New Testament text will be introduced by Rev David Patton Williams, rector of St Columba’s by the Castle, Edinburgh.
• Groups will also be facilitated by Masorti rabbinical student Jessica Spencer, and minister of Augustine United Church Rev Fiona Bennett.

This is one in a series of events around COP26, hosted by New College, University of Edinburgh (see blogs.ed.ac.uk/newcollegecop/ ). You may also be interested in:

• Art for the planet (ongoing)
• Interfaith pilgramage (23 Oct)
• Film screening - Anote's Ark (29 Oct)
• Alexander Duff lecture (16 Nov)

This event is co-hosted by Edinburgh Interfaith Association.