Faith Covenant Rededication

Representatives from faith communities and partner organisations across Dundee have met with the city’s political leaders during Scottish Interfaith Week 2026 to reaffirm their commitment to the Faith Covenant.

Originally signed in 2023, the Faith Covenant aims to strengthen relationships between faith communities, partner organisations and Dundee City Council, promoting mutual understanding, respect and partnership working.

The reaffirmation delivers on a report agreed by the Council’s then Policy and Resources Committee in February 2020, which set out the principles and commitments for adopting a Faith Covenant in the city.

• Faith communities are free to practise their beliefs and religious observances without restriction, and to raise their voice in public debate and to be respected, within the framework of the law

• Public services and faith based social action should respect service users from all backgrounds, with no discrimination on the grounds of religion, gender, marital status, race, ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation or disability

• The voice, participation and solutions that faith communities bring are important, and consultation should enable them to be brought to bear for the benefit of the wider community

Following delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the work was relaunched in November 2022, with Dundee City Council and Faith in Community Dundee coordinating a series of Faith Leadership events. These brought together faith and political leaders to agree priorities and establish a steering group, whose work led to the development and signing of the Faith Covenant in 2023.

Following changes in Council leadership and new representatives from individual faith groups, it was agreed that the Covenant would be reaffirmed at significant milestones to renew the shared commitment and strengthen ongoing partnership working.

At an event in City Square, senior Councillors, Faith Leaders and partners met to re-sign the covenant and hear updates about the work that has taken place over the last few years.

Cllr Mark Flynn, Leader of Dundee City Council, said: “I am proud to reaffirm the Council’s commitment to the Faith Covenant and continue the work championed by the previous Council Leader in recognising and celebrating the diversity of faith communities across Dundee. 

“Our faith groups play a vital role in bringing people together, offering support and creating opportunities for connection. For me, Dundee is at its best when we listen to the voices of everyone in our community. The recent Dundee Get Together event was a great example of this, bringing people together and celebrating the diversity that makes our city so special. We must continue to champion faith diversity, promote understanding and ensure everyone feels included.”

Cllr Nadia El-Nakla, Council Equalities Spokesperson, said: “Having been part of the original signing of the Faith Covenant, I am delighted to see this commitment reaffirmed. I have always been a strong advocate for this work and will continue to champion the importance of bringing faith communities together, celebrating our diversity and finding common ground. These relationships are vital to building a more inclusive and connected Dundee for everyone.”

On Wednesday, the Dundee Faith Forum will meet to discuss the Faith Covenant, share updates on the Worrying About Money leaflet, reflect on feedback from the Dundee Get Together event, take part in an Engage Dundee activity and look ahead to future training and meetings. The forum will also discuss the new Faith Directory, which is being launched during the week.

The Dundee Faith Directory provides a ward-by-ward listing of places of worship across Dundee, including location details and contact information, making it easier for residents and communities to connect with local faith organisations.

Gill Bain, the recently appointed director of Faith in Community Dundee, said: “I am delighted to see Dundee reaffirm its commitment to partnership and understanding through the Faith Covenant. I was pleased to launch The Dundee Faith Directory today as part of the signing. 

“It is a valuable resource, available on our website, that showcases the rich diversity of faith communities across our city and helps strengthen connections between faith groups, public services, and residents. 

“We are proud to support both initiatives as part of our shared commitment to building a more inclusive and connected Dundee.

Scottish Inter Faith week runs from 9-15 November and you can find out more information on the Scottish Inter Faith website.