Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal joined Scottish faith leaders including the Most Rev Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, in a candle-lighting ceremony for peace on Wednesday 21 January at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh.

The interfaith gathering, which was convened by Chief Imam Dr Sayed Razawi OBE, centred on the shared act of candle-lighting for peace, emphasised the enduring virtues of reconciliation, mutual responsibility, and social harmony. It took place at a time when communities across Scotland are reflecting on how best to nurture cohesion, safeguard one another’s dignity, and respond constructively to social pressures affecting public life.

Alongside Her Royal Highness, senior representatives of Scotland’s faith communities and civic life took part in a collective expression of unity, care for neighbour, and shared stewardship of society and the environment entrusted to future generations.

Candles were lit by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, The Most Rev Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, Chief Imam Dr Sayed Razawi OBE, The Rt Rev Rosie Frew, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Most Rev Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, Rabbi Moshe Rubin, Senior Rabbi of Scotland, Dr Srihari Vallabhajosula, Hindu Leader in Scotland, and Ms Ravinder Kaur Nijjar, Member of the Religions for Peace European Council of Religious Leaders.

Commenting after the ceremony Bishop Mark said: “Once again we have gathered here in this ancient place of prayer to offer each other and our communities a light of hope. All around us powerful people are trying to sow division amongst nations and faiths, and the world feels a bit less secure every day. Yet here in this small corner of the world the faith communities are willing to come together in friendship and to stand together in prayer, rejoicing in those things we hold in common and committed to offer the light of love to a world that so needs it.”

Imam Razawi reflected that: “At a time when many in our society feel uncertainty and strain, this simple act of lighting candles together affirms something enduring: that dignity, mutual care, and responsibility for one another are central to our shared humanity.

“I am deeply honoured to have convened this gathering and grateful for the presence of Her Royal Highness and faith leaders from across Scotland. It is not only symbolic; it is an expression of our collective commitment to reconciliation, to safeguarding our communities, and to nurturing a society rooted in respect, stewardship, and hope.”

The Rt Rev Rosie Frew, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland: “On Saturday I was at a Service of Thanksgiving to mark the 80th anniversary of the inaugural meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in Methodist Central Hall Westminster. At a time when our world feels a very angry and unsettled place it was good to recommit ourselves and our future to the founding vision of the UN in seeking to prevent and resolve conflict, and in bringing justice, peace and reconciliation to all the peoples of the earth. As we gather together on Wednesday to light candles, our hope and prayer is for mutual respect and a commitment to justice, peace and reconciliation in our land and worldwide.”

Archbishop Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St Andrews & Edinburgh: “I am glad to stand once again with faith and civic leaders in this simple but profound act. Lighting a candle together affirms our shared humanity, our responsibility to one another, and our determination to choose peace and understanding in challenging times. Such gestures remind us that even small acts, undertaken together, can help shape a more hopeful future.”

Edward Green DL, Leader of the Edinburgh Jewish Community: “Today’s candle lighting is another powerful reminder of our shared commitment to community cohesion. At a time when there is so much that needs us to be together it is heartwarming to be once again to be with the Chief Imam in this candle lighting uniting Jews and Muslims together with other faith communities. Scotland’s Jewish and Muslim communities stand together as neighbours working for peace, understanding and collaboration of all faiths.”

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Image: The Church of Scotland