In 1991, representatives of seven major faiths sat down with the Assistant Keeper of Glasgow Museums & Art Galleries Open Museum to discuss the content of a small travelling interfaith exhibition. For the inner heart of the exhibition, we quickly came to agreement on six topics of central concern to all our faiths, Mercy & Compassion, Justice, Loving Kindness, Forgiveness, Peace, and Charity. On the outer walls was a display examining our various forms of prayer. All faith representatives were eager that understanding of their faith be focussed on its expression through their way of life, and the moral values we all share. I felt that this ready agreement on shared values displayed in a context of friendly and courteous interfaith discussion was an ideal way of showing how values are shared across religious boundaries, as well as providing a practical demonstration of religious co-existence. I think the programmes would have been of great value while extremely cheap to make - but unfortunately my opinions were never put to the test.
 

COMMON VALUES - SHARED IDEALS

(Ten new 15' programmes to replace the secondary RE series Believe It or Not)


An Interfaith View of the Religious Basis and Cultural Expression of Moral Values around the world.


Around a table, representatives of different faith groups sit and discuss the topics of central concern to their religious way of life. After some time consensus must be reached on an agreed top ten topics. These are used as the themes for ten programmes, integrating the original discussion with opinions from guest speakers, quotes, stories and visual illustration. The themes are also illustrated by examples of faith members putting their principles into practice, in the family, school and society, as well as participating in their various and distinct forms of worship, pilgrimage, customs and festivals. Care must be taken to ensure that the needs of the curriculum are fully covered in these sections. The series follows the top ten themes in order from ten to one. The final programme concludes with a full list.


Applicability

The series would be cut to fit the curriculum.