Visit of Iain Stewart,
Church of Scotland
Interfaith Development Worker to
South Lakeland District Interfaith Forum [SLIF]
Iain Stewart, the Church of Scotland’s Interfaith Development Worker met with the South Lakeland Interfaith Forum (SLIF) chairman, Rev’d Tim Baynes and other Committee members, including Rev’d John Hetherington (SLIF Secretary). SLIF has been active now for over 3 years and seeks to bring together people of different faiths for joint discussions, to share insights and build understanding.
After staying overnight with John Gerrard, leader of the Kendal Buddhist Group, Iain’s day began with a meeting at Kendal Police Station with Chief Superintendant, Paul Kennedy and the Fire and Rescue Service Locality Manager Kendal, William Wylie. The agenda covered the role of SLIF, as part of a discussion on the "Community Cohesion” agenda.
Iain next viewed the Quaker Tapestry at the invitation of Bridget Guest (Tapestry Director), with John Hetherington and Jacquetta Gomes of the Kendal Buddhist Group. He then met with Kendal’s Mayor - Councillor Jonathan Brook - at Manna House, where Iain and SLIF Committee members had lunch and toured this rapidly developing and exciting community project to support the homeless.
In the afternoon, an informal drop in session took place at the Kendal Fellside Centre. Norman Burnell, the Chair of KEG Kendal Ecumenical Group, also attended. Iain gave a clear presentation on his role for the Church of Scotland and the many interfaith initiatives in Scotland, which was followed by questions, prior to Iain’s return north to Glasgow. Rev’d John Hetherington and Jacquetta Gomes of SLIF co-ordinated the programme.
For more Information and to obtain pictures, please contact Rev’d John Hetherington at slinterfaithforum@talktalk.net 01539 726181