About Interfaith Inverclyde
Building bridges between faith communities in Inverclyde through dialogue, understanding, and shared experiences.
Interfaith Inverclyde exists to foster meaningful connections between people of all faiths and none in the Inverclyde area. Through our Conversation Café events and community gatherings, we create safe spaces where people can share their stories, learn from one another, and build lasting relationships across faith boundaries.
Our Story
From a small gathering to a thriving interfaith community
Pre-launch Gathering
St Mary's Church
Our very first informal gathering brought together people from different faith backgrounds in Inverclyde to explore the idea of building interfaith connections locally.
Official Launch
Greenock Town Hall
Interfaith Inverclyde was officially launched with support from Interfaith Scotland. Community leaders and local residents came together to celebrate our shared commitment to dialogue.
Growing Community
Inverclyde Muslim Centre
Over 50 attendees joined our Conversation Café at the Muslim Centre, a milestone that showed the growing appetite for interfaith dialogue in our area.
Upcoming Gathering
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Our next gathering continues our tradition of rotating venues, demonstrating our commitment to meeting in each other's spaces.
Key People
The dedicated individuals who make Interfaith Inverclyde possible
Frances Hume
Senior Development Officer
Interfaith Scotland
Frances is the primary contact and driving force behind Interfaith Inverclyde. She serves as Senior Development Officer at Interfaith Scotland, in post since 2007. She holds a Master of Theology from the University of St Andrews and has extensive experience in community development with Christian Aid, Save the Children, and the Iona Community.
Imam Muhammad Bilal
Community Leader & SIFW Ambassador
Inverclyde Muslim Centre
Imam Muhammad Bilal is the Imam at the Inverclyde Muslim Centre and a Scottish Interfaith Week Festival Ambassador for 2025. He offers spiritual guidance and counsel to individuals and families, and is deeply committed to promoting understanding between faiths. His motto: "Diversity is not for division — it is for understanding and peace."
Mohammed Akhter
Chairman
Inverclyde Muslim Centre
Mr Mohammed Akhter serves as Chairman of the Inverclyde Muslim Centre and plays a hosting and leadership role at interfaith events. He closed the October 2025 gathering by thanking attendees for "supporting interfaith friendship and goodwill."
Provost Drew McKenzie
Provost of Inverclyde
Inverclyde Council
Provost Drew McKenzie has lent civic endorsement to Interfaith Inverclyde, attending the October 2025 gathering as Chief Guest and praising the commitment to unity and cooperation across Inverclyde.
Dr Maureen Sier
Director
Interfaith Scotland
Dr Maureen Sier is the Director of Interfaith Scotland and oversees the parent organisation supporting all local groups across Scotland, including Interfaith Inverclyde.
How We Work
Our approach to building interfaith understanding in Inverclyde
Rotating Venues
Each gathering takes place at a different faith community's venue. This allows attendees to experience diverse worship spaces and creates a sense of shared ownership. From churches to mosques, town halls to community centres, we meet where our communities gather.
Conversation Café Format
Our signature Conversation Café provides a structured yet relaxed way to have meaningful dialogue. Participants gather around tables with facilitated questions, sharing food and stories. It's designed to be welcoming to everyone, regardless of their faith background or experience with interfaith work.
Our Relationship with Interfaith Scotland
Part of a national network promoting dialogue and understanding
Interfaith Inverclyde operates as a local group supported by Interfaith Scotland, the national body for interfaith relations in Scotland. This partnership gives us access to resources, training, and a wider network of interfaith groups across the country.
Interfaith Scotland supports local groups like ours by providing guidance on setting up interfaith initiatives, sharing best practice, and connecting us with other communities doing similar work. We participate in national events such as Scottish Interfaith Week and contribute to the wider movement for dialogue and understanding across Scotland.