Imam Ashafa and Pastor Wuye in person arrived in Edinburgh on 14 August for a stay of nearly a week invited by the Festival of Spirituality and Peace.

Wednesday 15 August: Their first appointment was a 'Conversation' in St John's Church, Edinburgh. The event, part of the Edinburgh Festival of Spirituality and Peace, was chaired by the Rt Revd Brian Smith, Bishop of Edinburgh. The imam and the pastor spoke to an audience of over 100 people and gave a vivid picture of their reconciliation following earlier conflict. They talked also of the other countries in Africa where they have been asked to share their experiences. There were many questions.

Later that day the Bishop gave a buffet reception in honour of Imam Ashafa and Pastor James at his home. Guests included Cllr George D W Grubb, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, The Rt Rev Sheilagh Kesting, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and representatives of different faith groups.


                   

Thursday 16 August: Pastor James and Imam Ashafa addressed senior students of RE and Philosophy at Boroughmuir High School, Edinburgh. From the vast range of information given about Nigeria, the questions focussed on the key issue of forgiving one’s enemy and making him a friend. The students will see the film The Imam and Pastor in two week’s time.

This was followed by a visit to the Scottish Parliament at the invitation of Robin Harper, MSP, a member of the governing coalition.

In the afternoon they were received by Cardinal Keith O’Brien, head of the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland. In an extended meeting he recalled his many visits to Africa. They found that they had many mutual colleagues and friends. Some of the current problems facing society in Scotland were also discussed.

In the evening they took part in an interfaith dialogue at Edinburgh’s central mosque. Conclusions at the end of this dialogue were that personal experiences of forgiveness are powerful tools for healing conflict as highlighted by their own stories, and one group of Muslim ladies underlined how important it is that The Imam and the Pastor and its message reaches the widest possible public.

Roger Spooner and Blair Cummock