How to engage with faith and belief groups
Faith and belief are closely linked to people's cultural or racial identity. It is important to consider the views of people of different faiths (and none) when planning health and care services.
People from different faith and belief groups, and those of none, are protected by the Equality Act 2010. This means that people cannot be discriminated against because:
- they are (or are not) of a particular religion
- they hold (or do not hold) a particular philosophical belief
- someone thinks they are of a particular religion or hold a particular belief (this is known as discrimination by perception), or
- they are connected to someone who has a religion or belief (this is known as discrimination by association).
Religion has been a factor in between 7% and 8% of hate crimes reported annually to the police in Scotland since 2014 (Scottish Government report).
Considerations
- Depending on the topic of engagement, members of some religious communities may prefer not to be involved if they do not believe or agree with the practice. For example, many Buddhists follow an alternative path of healthcare, and might not wish to engage about typical health and care services. Other communities may have particular beliefs about topics such as organ donation or blood services. It would be appropriate to ask if this might be the case.
- Language barriers might be an issue among some communities. Ask what languages are spoken and consider booking a translator if required.
- For certain faiths, small numbers of followers in Scotland might present a barrier. Contacting local charities or national faith groups may help identify people to engage.
Top tips
- Show respect - this may seem obvious but it's often overlooked. If you are unsure of what is good or bad practice or what you should or shouldn't be doing or saying, ask. A person with religious or faith beliefs, or none, will probably not be insulted if you ask what their beliefs mean to them. Not everyone from the same faith group will have the same beliefs either, so always ask a person what their beliefs mean to them and how best you can respect them.
- Be non-judgmental - if you have strong religious or faith beliefs of your own and they are different to the people you are engaging with, it is important not to display judgement towards people. It is entirely possible to have differing beliefs and enter into discussion but never judge someone for what they believe. Never force your beliefs on anyone.
- Do your research - if providing food and drink at an event, consider who is attending and cater accordingly. See individual information under faiths for particular dietary requirements and abide strictly by them. Label food clearly and consider different languages if required. If you are unsure if something is suitable, contact one of the listed people or organisations to ask them. Vegan food is generally acceptable to everyone but it is a good idea to ask people about dietary requirements when they are registering to attend an event, including requirements relating to religious practices. This promotes a culture of respect and inclusivity.
- Consider staff training - there is a wide network of faith leaders and spiritual care providers in Scotland. Many organisations (such as Interfaith Scotland) will be delighted to provide training on either their own faith and belief groups, or on a selection of different faiths. This would enable staff to become informed and prepared to enter into meaningful and appropriate engagement with groups of different beliefs and faiths.
Tip
Find a link person - often the best way to engage with a particular faith community is to identify a key individual who can speak with other members and act as a link between you and the group. This is not necessarily a community leader who would speak on behalf of the group. For information and possible contacts, please get in touch with our local engagement staff.
Widen contact with a community or faith group - ask for contact details of other groups within the community, for example women's, youth, parents' or other groups so that you access a wide demographic of the faith community, and allow representative views.
- Consider whether a blended approach to engagement might be appropriate - in-person engagement events are not the only way to engage with communities. Using online platforms can has become increasingly popular in recent years. You may find that using a blended approach widens your demographic and allows you to engage with more people.
- Ask if the questions have already been addressed - consider whether the faith group has already been recently been engaged with. Often if the same questions are asked repeatedly, this can decrease people's willingness to engage. Try not to repeat work already completed.
- Make no assumptions - not all people of a particular faith will attend their place of worship so consider widening initial engagement strategies to include relevant charities, community groups and social media to expand your reach.
- Do some reading - Planning with People and the National Standards for Community Engagement are useful documents to read and become familiar with when planning engagement events with people of any groups or protected characteristics.
- Contact us - we have a local engagement office in each of the 14 health board areas. Our staff can advise and assist with planning and holding engagement events.
Faiths in Scotland
The following is a general guide only. It is important not to make assumptions about the preferences or lifestyles of individuals, as there will be a wide range of opinions about what is acceptable even within one faith community. Always ask participants in advance about what they would prefer.
Bahá’í faith
An independent religion which originated in Persia (now Iran) in the 19th century. Key beliefs include:
- there is one God
- each person has a soul which is present from conception and lives on after death
- all religions have a common foundation
- men and women should have equal opportunity
- challenge all forms of prejudice
- financial extremes should be abolished
- cultural and religious diversity should be respected (NES, 2021)
|
Numbers in Scotland |
565 |
|---|---|
|
Festivals, holidays, events |
|
|
Diet |
No specific requirements. Some may choose to be vegetarian. Alcohol prohibited. |
|
Fasting requirements |
Annual fast between 2 and 20 March. No food to be taken between sunrise and sunset. |
|
Sex considerations |
Mixed gatherings are acceptable |
|
Daily practices |
Daily prayers and some may chant. Privacy preferred for prayer. |
|
Dress, modesty |
No particular requirements |
|
Toilet requirements |
Access to water for ablutions before prayers preferred |
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Contacts |
Brahma Kumaris
A worldwide spiritual movement dedicated to development of spiritual awareness and cultivation of a deep, collective consciousness of peace and of the individual dignity of each soul (NES, 2021). Brahma Kumaris is the largest spiritual organisation in the world led by women and they practise and teach Raja Yoga meditation, which relaxes the mind and nurtures a healthy balance between our inner and outer worlds. Through numerous social service activities and partnerships, they promote spiritual understanding, leadership with integrity and elevated actions towards a better world. (Brahma Kumaris, 2021).
|
Numbers in Scotland |
25 to 30 |
|---|---|
|
Festivals, holidays, events |
Third Sunday of the month - World Peace Meditation Hour (6.30 to 7.30 pm) |
|
Diet |
Lacto-vegetarian (dairy allowed) although many are vegan. No onions or garlic are usually used. Alcohol is discouraged. Will not eat food if not prepared by someone from Brahma Kumaris community. |
|
Fasting requirements |
None unless individual choice |
|
Sex considerations |
Mixed gatherings are acceptable |
|
Daily practices |
Early morning meditation Brahma Kumaris often stop for 1 minute on the hour, every hour to regroup. Evening meditation between 7.00 and 7.30 pm |
|
Dress, modesty |
Most practice celibacy |
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Toilet requirements |
Access to shower if possible after using the toilet is preferred |
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Times, locations |
Avoid the third Sunday of the month between 6.30 and 7.30 pm |
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Contacts |
Buddhism
The Buddha was a human being, not a god, and is not worshipped as a god. Instead, the Buddha is revered as an inspiration of how people can transform their lives and follow a path of awakening, in order to end suffering. A Buddhist’s intention is to follow a path of spiritual practice, including ethics, meditation and wisdom, which leads to freedom from suffering, sometimes referred to as 'Spiritual Awakening', 'Enlightenment' or 'Nirvana' (NES, 2021). There are three main aspects to Buddhist practice: doing no harm, performing wholesome actions and training minds through meditation (Samyeling, 2021).
|
Numbers in Scotland |
12,795 |
|---|---|
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Festivals, holidays, events |
|
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Diet |
Vegetarian or vegan. Some may eat one main meal a day before 12 noon. |
|
Fasting requirements |
None unless individual choice. Some Buddhists fast on new moon and full moon days and on specific festival days. |
|
Sex considerations |
Some Buddhist monks may not feel comfortable in a room with members of the opposite sex |
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Daily practices |
Most Buddhists practice meditation |
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Dress, modesty |
No particular requirements apart from in Buddhist monastic communities |
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Toilet requirements |
No particular requirements |
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Contacts |
Chinese faiths
There are many different beliefs that fall under Chinese faiths including Islam and Christianity but the most prevalent influences include Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and veneration of ancestors. Confucianism emphasises respect for rules and authority and deals mainly with individual ethos, morality and the proper exercise of political power. Taoism is based on yin and yang and the 5 elements (water, fire, earth, metal and wood). In traditional Chinese families, children must be dutiful towards parents and reverence of ancestors is very important (NES, 2021).
|
Numbers in Scotland |
34,000 people identified as Chinese in the 2011 census. Not all of these people will have beliefs but no accurate numbers were available at time of writing. |
|---|---|
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Festivals, holidays, events |
See individual faith groups for festivals and holidays |
|
Diet |
Prior to major festivals, Buddhist or Taoist Chinese may eat vegetarian food. Rice is believed to have energy-giving properties for some people. Others prefer wheat, maize and other cereals. Soya milk is preferred and beef and cheese least preferred. |
|
Fasting requirements |
Generally no requirements unless practicing Buddhism, Islam or perhaps Christianity |
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Sex considerations |
Mixing of sexes depends on Chinese beliefs. Muslim men and women may not mix but Buddhists might. It is best to check with the group or faith leader before arranging a group meeting. |
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Daily practices |
Depends on the belief group. See individual faith groups for more information. |
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Dress, modesty |
Depends on the belief group. See individual faith groups for more information. |
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Toilet requirements |
Running water required |
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Times, locations |
Depends on the belief group. See individual faith groups for more information. |
|
Contacts |
Christianity
Christianity is a world-wide religion followed by people of many different cultures and backgrounds. Although Christians have much in common, there is a wide diversity of beliefs, ethical standpoints and forms of worship among the many denominations and groups which make up the Christian Church. There are a number of distinct denominations such as the Church of Scotland, Roman Catholicism, Baptist, Episcopalian, Methodist, Free Church of Scotland and many more. These have a common core of beliefs but also a number of distinctive practices (NES, 2021).
|
Numbers in Scotland |
2,850,199 |
|---|---|
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Festivals, holidays, events |
Church of Scotland Catholic Baptist Episcopalian Methodist Free Church of Scotland |
|
Diet |
No universal regulations |
|
Fasting requirements |
No universal requirements to fast. Some Christians may fast at certain times (before communion) or on particular days of the year. |
|
Sex considerations |
Mixed gatherings acceptable |
|
Daily practices |
Depends on denomination and personal beliefs. No universal daily practices to note. |
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Dress, modesty |
No particular requirements |
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Toilet requirements |
No particular requirements |
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Times, locations |
Times to avoid varies between denominations so best to check with individuals. Saturday evening and Sunday morning is often worship time for many but there will be other times to avoid as well. |
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Contacts |
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons)
Founded in America in the early 19th century, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints believe that the holy trinity of Father, Son and Holy Ghost are three separate and distinct members of a united Godhead. There is a belief in pre-existence, which is a spirit life before birth which people have no memory of. Life on earth is for becoming worthy to return and live in the presence of Jesus Christ and God. Family unity is important and man and wife may be "sealed" together for all eternity at a ceremony at a temple. Children can be sealed to their parents and deceased family members who were not part of the church, may be sealed to their families (NES, 2021).
|
Numbers in Scotland |
around 20,000 |
|---|---|
|
Festivals, holidays, events |
|
|
Diet |
No stimulants such as tea, coffee, other caffeinated beverages. Healthy diet encouraged. |
|
Fasting requirements |
Fasting on the first Sunday of the month is common |
|
Sex considerations |
Uncertain whether mixed gatherings are acceptable or not |
|
Daily practices |
Daily prayers |
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Dress, modesty |
Some Latter-Day Saints will wear special 'endowment' undergarments (white knee-length shorts). They believe these intensely private items to be sacred and will normally wear them day and night. |
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Toilet requirements |
No particular requirements |
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Times, locations |
Sunday is the day of worship |
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Contacts |
Hinduism
Hindus believe in one God and worship that one God under many deities including Krishna, Shiva, Durga and Rama. Hinduism is thought to be a way of life and is practiced by over 900 million people. In India, 80% of the population is Hindu. Hindus believe that existence is a cycle of birth, death and rebirth governed by karma which is a complex belief in cause and effect. There is a great deal of freedom within Hinduism and individuals are not bound by dogma but can worship God according to their own beliefs (NES, 2021).
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Numbers in Scotland |
16,379 |
|---|---|
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Festivals, holidays, events |
|
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Diet |
Most Hindus are vegetarian and if they aren't, they may not eat pork or beef (the cow is sacred). Some eat eggs, some do not, some may refuse garlic and onions. Rennet-free dairy is acceptable (cottage cheese for example). Handwashing facilities required before and after food. |
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Fasting requirements |
Fasting is commonly practised on new moon days and during festivals such as Shivaratri, Saraswati Puja and Durga Puja. Some fasts may only require abstinence from certain foods. |
|
Sex considerations |
Mixed gatherings are acceptable. Separate seating in temples is usual. |
|
Daily practices |
Twice daily prayer. Privacy preferred for prayer. |
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Dress, modesty |
Modest dress observed by men and women although men may wear western clothes. Older Hindu women may wear saris or Punjabi suits. |
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Toilet requirements |
Running water in the same room as the toilet is preferred. If this is not possible, a jug provided for washing will be acceptable. |
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Times, locations |
Twice daily worship at temples and Sunday is a day for communal worship at a temple. Ask when would suit best. |
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Contacts |
Humanism
Humanism isn't a faith but is a moral framework for a life free from supernatural beliefs and superstition. Many humanists are atheists, agnostics or sceptics who reject or question the idea of any god or other power beyond the physical world. Humanists base their principles on a rational approach to life and aim to improve life quality making it equitable for all. Human rights laws are important to humanist organisations around the world and humanists state that consideration and unselfishness are important aspects of living a moral life (NES, 2021).
|
Numbers in Scotland |
Over 15,000 |
|---|---|
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Festivals, holidays, events |
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Diet |
No particular requirements but some humanists may be vegetarian or vegan. Many may refuse to eat meat if it has been slaughtered in a non-humane way. |
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Fasting requirements |
Not required other than through personal choice |
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Sex considerations |
Mixed gatherings are acceptable |
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Dress, modesty |
No particular requirements |
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Toilet requirements |
No particular requirements |
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Times, locations |
Avoid churches or other overtly religious venues as some members may have previous negative experiences of these |
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Contacts |
Islam
Islam is practised by about a fifth of the world's population. Muslims believe there is only one God (Allah) and that Muhammad is his prophet. Although Muslims revere Muhammad they do not worship him. Islam views the Biblical Patriarchs as Prophets and sees itself as a continuation and renewal of Judaism and Christianity. Islam's sacred texts include the Qur’an (the key source), the Gospels and the Hebrew Bible. Muslims believe that everything and everyone depends on Allah. All Muslims of whatever race are members of one community known as the ummah. Muslims are guided to follow Allah's will by obeying their holy book, the Qur’an, and also by following the example set by Muhammad. Every Muslim must perform duties known as the 'Five Pillars of Islam':
- to recite a specific verse, their declaration of faith (Shahadah)
- to offer 5 specific prayers daily (Salat)
- to give two-and-a-half per cent of their savings once a year to the poor (Zakat)
- to undertake a pilgrimage to Mecca, if they can afford to, once in a lifetime (Hajj)
- to fast during the month of Ramadan (Sawm) (NES, 2021).
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Numbers in Scotland |
76,737 |
|---|---|
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Festivals, holidays, events |
|
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Diet |
Muslims will eat only halal food and will not eat or drink anything that is considered forbidden (haram). Halal food requires that Allah's name is invoked at the time the animal is killed. Lamb, beef, goat and chicken, for example, are halal as long as a Muslim kills them and offers a prayer. Fish and eggs are also halal but they must be kept strictly separate from meat during preparation. All products from pork, carrion and blood and all types of alcohol are forbidden. Access to hand washing facilities before eating is preferred. |
|
Fasting requirements |
Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan (the date varies each year). At this time Muslims will not eat or drink between dawn and sunset. |
|
Sex considerations |
The free mixing of sexes is often prohibited and there should be no physical contact between a woman and any man except her husband. Mixing of sexes may be permitted in a professional capacity, however, so best to ask if uncertain. |
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Daily practices |
An important part of a Muslim’s daily practice is the 5 daily prayers (Salat). The times for these are dawn, just after noon, afternoon/evening, following sunset and night time. Privacy for prayer is preferred and they must face south-south east in the UK. Ablution before each prayer is necessary. |
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Dress, modesty |
Muslim women may wear a hijab (headscarf) when in public or a burka which allows only eyes and hands to be seen. |
|
Toilet requirements |
Running water in the same room as the toilet is preferred. If this is not possible, a jug provided for washing will be acceptable. Access to water for ablutions before prayers is preferred. |
|
Times, locations |
Friday is the Muslim holy day |
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Contacts |
Jehovah's Witnesses
Jehovah's Witnesses view themselves as Christian and regard Jesus Christ as the Son of God, but not in the sense of being equal with God or one with God. Jehovah's Witnesses consider their religion to be a restoration of original first-century Christianity and accept both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible as inspired by God. They do not, however, use the symbol of the cross because they believe it to be of Pagan origin (NES, 2021).
|
Numbers in Scotland |
8,500 |
|---|---|
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Festivals, holidays, events |
Annual memorial to commemorate the death of Jesus |
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Diet |
Food containing blood (such as black pudding) is not permitted. Meat must have been bled before consumption. |
|
Fasting requirements |
None unless individual choice |
|
Sex considerations |
Mixed gatherings are acceptable |
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Dress, modesty |
Modest dress for both sexes |
|
Toilet requirements |
No particular requirements |
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Times, locations |
Avoid evenings and weekends |
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Contacts |
Judaism
Judaism is an ancient religion that has been practised for over 5,000 years and is based on the belief in one universal, omnipotent God. Jews live according to values based on love of one's neighbour and tolerance of one's fellow human beings. Judaism requires its followers to live their lives in accordance with 613 Commandments (mitzvoth) covering all aspects of life. Orthodox Jews are more traditional and observant of the religious and dietary laws than Progressive, Liberal or Reform Jews. Due to the huge diversity of Jewish practice, people appreciate being asked about what is important to them (NES, 2021).
|
Numbers in Scotland |
5,887 |
|---|---|
|
Festivals, holidays, events |
|
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Diet |
Strict kosher diet. Label kosher food as such. Ensure hand washing facilities are available before food. No meat and milk at the same meal. Pork will not be eaten. |
|
Fasting requirements |
Jews fast 6 times throughout the year, at holidays |
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Sex considerations |
Varies depending on denomination and may only apply to religious services. Ask if mixed gatherings such as focus groups are permitted before planning. |
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Daily practices |
Many Jews pray 3 times a day and prefer privacy for this. Indicating which way is East will be helpful if prayer takes place when at an event. |
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Dress, modesty |
Varies depending on denomination. Many Jewish people will keep their heads covered. |
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Toilet requirements |
Ensure hand washing facilities are available to use before consuming food |
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Times, locations |
Avoid Shabbat (Sabbath) which begins Friday evening through to Saturday night |
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Contacts |
Paganism
Pagans believe that nature is sacred and that the natural cycles of birth, growth and death observed in the world around us carry profoundly spiritual meanings. Human beings are seen as part of nature, along with other animals, trees, stones, plants and everything else that is of this earth. Most Pagans believe in some form of reincarnation, viewing death as a transition within a continuing process of existence (NES, 2021).
|
Numbers in Scotland |
5,194 |
|---|---|
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Festivals, holidays, events |
|
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Diet |
Organic and free range food is preferable. Many Pagans are vegetarian or vegan. |
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Fasting requirements |
No official fast days but some may fast prior to the Spring Equinox |
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Sex considerations |
Mixed gatherings are acceptable |
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Daily practices |
Individual choice so best to ask |
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Dress, modesty |
Individual choice so best to ask |
|
Toilet requirements |
No particular requirements |
|
Times, locations |
Avoid churches or other overtly religious venues for the majority. Ask if unsure what is required. |
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Contacts |
Sikhism
Sikhs strictly believe that there is one god, who is both transcendent and immanent (present in all things and everyone). The object of a Sikh’s life is to develop consciousness of God and to receive God's grace through truthful living and selfless service in the context of a family life. Sikhs seek the equality of all people regardless of caste, colour, creed or sex. A Sikh's way of life is guided by the following principles:
- remembering and praying to God at all times
- earning a living by honest means
- sharing with the poor and needy
- selfless service to God and His Creation
- treating all human beings as equal
Sikhs who choose to go through the initiation rite of baptism wear 5 articles of faith, commonly known as the 'Five Ks'. Each of these articles have deep spiritual and moral significance, forming part of the Sikh code of ethics and discipline. The articles of faith must not be removed. (NES, 2021)
|
Numbers in Scotland |
9,055 |
|---|---|
|
Festivals, holidays, events |
|
|
Diet |
Baptised Sikhs may be vegetarian and might also exclude eggs, fish and any food derived from animals. Beef will not be eaten. Dairy is acceptable only if free from animal fat. Food must not be contaminated with meat in any stage of preparation or storage. Sikhs will wish to wash their hands and rinse their mouth before eating. |
|
Fasting requirements |
None - Sikhs do not fast for religious reasons |
|
Sex considerations |
Men and women sit apart when worshipping but mix afterwards. Ask what they would prefer for the engagement event. |
|
Daily practices |
Prayers at sunset and before bed |
|
Dress, modesty |
Baptised Sikh men and women will cover their uncut hair with either a turban (men) or a Punjabi scarf called a chunni (women). Shorts called kacchera are worn to maintain modesty under clothes. |
|
Toilet requirements |
Running water in the same room as the toilet is preferred. If this is not possible, a jug provided for washing will be acceptable. |
|
Times, locations |
Avoid Sundays as this is when Sikhs in the UK worship |
|
Contacts |
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to everyone who helped with or advised on the content of this page, including Frances and Jamie from Interfaith Scotland, Marilyn from the Brahma Kumaris community in Glasgow, Fraser from the Humanist Society Scotland, Adrienne and Cosma from the Bahá’í Council for Scotland, Patria from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United Kingdom, Cat Hawkins for her information on Paganism, Karen from Healthcare Improvement Scotland and NHS Education for Scotland.