Church leaders in Angus are joining forces with a Muslim-run foodbank to help Tayside’s most vulnerable people in a show of inter-religious cooperation.
The Sidlaw Churches at Auchterhouse, Murroes and Tealing, Monikie and Newbigging, plan to deliver food to the Taught by Mohammad offices in Dunsinane Industrial estate twice a month.
The idea came about after the churches’ locum minister Rev Mike Mair visited the foodbank recently and was “impressed” by their work.
He said: “I had heard of the Taught by Mohammad foodbank, as we had some children from our churches making a contribution to them, but we didn’t really know much about their work.
“I thought I’d find out a bit more so I visited them and was very impressed.
“Their accommodation at the Dunsinane estate is good, with a lot of space for storing food, and they’re very organised.
“For example, they give people a call before delivering their food to make sure they’re in and that they’re able to answer the door. They have all bases covered.
“They also have other projects, such as the free café in Douglas.
“The food is distributed regardless of religion – indeed hardly any recipients are Muslim. Truly they are good neighbours.
“When I reported this to the ruling bodies of the churches, they decided to offer wholehearted support to the food bank, by regularly gathering food for it, and by other forms of help if asked.
“Faith traditions are different and have their distinctive beliefs, but our churches think we can and should unite in community service and neighbourly care.”
The Sidlaw Churches’ first gathering of food will be delivered to Dunsinane industrial estate next Monday.
Rizwan Rafik, of Taught by Mohammad, said that the group were “overwhelmed” by the support.
He added: “Mike contacted us saying he had heard about us and when he came to visit he liked our work.
“He said the churches would want to contribute as well, which is great – this is what it’s all about, working together for the good of the community regardless of race or religion.
“The support has really been overwhelming and it’s great that people want to contribute.”
