Scottish Catholic Observer

Cardinal Keith O’Brien led hundreds of people through Edinburgh on a peace walk last Sunday to mark the tenth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the US.

The cardinal was joined by former Church of Scotland moderators, Episcopal Bishop Brian Smith, Rabbi David Rose, Imam Mohammad Sajjad, Imam Sohail and Wege Singh on the walk, which began outside the Hindu Mandir in St Andrew’s Place in Leith, Edinburgh, and passed by the city’s St Mary’s Cathedral.

Speaking during the walk, Marist Brother Stephen Smyth, general secretary of Action of Churches Together in Scotland, said: “It’s lovely. The mood is just beautiful. People are smiling and the rain has held off. It’s a wonderful mix of people. We wanted to show that our core values are similar—we share the same basic human values.”

In Glasgow, Archbishop Mario Conti led a service of remembrance for those that lost their lives in the terrorist atrocities a decade ago alongside Rev Sandra Black, moderator of the presbytery of Glasgow at Cathcart Old Parish Church.

Nicola Sturgeon, deputy first minister, Annabel Goldie, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, faith leaders, members of Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service, Strathclyde Police, school children and war veterans all attended the remembrance service. “Today is about remembering, it is about praying for those who still suffer, but it is also about celebrating the links between Glasgow and New York and the remarkable spirit of the citizenry of both,” Archbishop Conti said. “In particular, I wish to salute the heroic commitment of public servants, police and fire officers, medical and emergency workers and the host of other ancillary helpers who did what they could to assist.”

The service was opened by Rev Neil Galbraith, founder of the charity Glasgow the Caring City, who said: “September 11, 2001 was a day which changed the world and, for Glasgow the Caring City charity, a day when we were called once again to stand up to the mark and act in the name of compassion. On that day we made a promise to ‘never forget.’ We continue to keep that promise. The relationship, the advice exchange—and if we are required we will respond—still exist.”

Mr Galbraith said about 120 families, including 40 children, were helped following the attacks and invited for holidays and respite in Scotland by the charity. The holidays continued for five years.

PIC: PAUL McSHERRY