The EICWS was founded as a Scottish Charity in May 2000, following several years of prior planning and reflection, and through establishing contacts across Scotland and internationally relevant to the work of the EICWS.

2. What approach does the EICWS take to the subject of spirituality?

The EICWS does not approach the subject of spirituality from a single definition of spirituality.

The EICWS recognises a great diversity of spiritual traditions, practices and beliefs, and we aspire to show equal respect to all spiritual traditions, practices, and beliefs.

Thus, the EICWS develops educational and practical opportunities to experience the spiritual traditions, practices and beliefs directly, supported by recognised spiritual teachers within these spiritual traditions, through sharing experiences and insights of practitioners of these spiritual traditions, and through the insights and teachings of recognised scholars of these spiritual traditions.  This can lead to tentative definitions of a form of spirituality, among the rich diversity of spiritualities.

The EICWS is interested in all religious forms of spirituality, as well as forms of spirituality associated with themes such as governance, leadership, education, health and well-being, arts and culture, science and medicine, the environment and sustainability, nature, the media, work, community, service, among others.

The EICWS is also interested in secular forms of spirituality. Indeed, the EICWS recognises that many people today have a spiritual practice independent of any religious faith belief, and we are particularly interested in practical and supportive forms of spiritual practice independent of any religious faith belief.

The EICWS is particularly interested in the emergence of inter-spirituality and intra-spirituality, and in our work we create many opportunities to experience and reflect upon these increasingly important forms of spiritual practice.

3. What relation is there between the EICWS and traditional Inter Faith work?

The EICWS is generally supportive of traditional Inter Faith work.  However, the emphasis of the EICWS is very much on the subject of spirituality, and inter-spirituality and intra-spirituality, in all of its rich variety, including the rich experience of practical spiritual practice.

The EICWS is particularly concerned to celebrate the rich diversity of spiritualities in all of its forms, for the widest public benefit.

4. Is the EICWS a representative faith organisation? 

No.

5. Is the EICWS a membership organisation?

No.

6. How does the EICWS work with principles of facilitation?

The EICWS is more concerned to work according to principles of facilitation rather than creating representative, faith, membership, or organisational structures.

7. How can I become involved in the work of the EICWS?

Everyone with an interest in spirituality is welcome to participate in our many spiritual events, while respecting certain basic practical guidelines.

Please get in contact with us through the contact on this website to find out more about becoming involved in the work of the EICWS.

8. How can I support the work of the EICWS?

Please get in contact with us through the contact on this website to find out more about supporting the work of the EICWS. As a Scottish charity, the EICWS welcomes donations and in-kind support.

9. How can I propose events that the EICWS might organise and host? 

Please get in contact with us through the contact on this website to find out more about proposing an event for the EICWS to organise and host.

10. How can I propose partnership with the EICWS? 

The EICWS is interested to explore partnerships which create new opportunities for quality and innovative spiritual work. Please get in contact with us through the contact on this website to find out more about proposing a partnership with the EICWS.

11. How can I find out about EICWS events? 

Please join the EICWS email list, and you will receive regular invitations to our events.

12. How can I participate in EICWS events? 

Everyone with an interest in spirituality is welcome to participate in our many spiritual events, while respecting certain basic practical guidelines.

Please get in contact with us through the contact on this website to find out more about participating in the events of the EICWS. 

13. What have been some of the significant contributions of the EICWS?

Organisation of an ongoing conference series on the world’s spiritual traditions;

Joint organisation of the Annual Edinburgh International Festival of Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace; 

Joint organisation of the Sufism Symposium Scotland; 

Joint participation in the planning of visits to Scotland of globally important religious and spiritual leaders, including the Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh, His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Abuna Elias Chacour, HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, Prof Tariq Ramadan, Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh Ji, Jean Vanier, Chief Rabbi David Rosen, Sister Joan Chittister, Her Holiness Sai Maa Lakshmi Devi, among others; 

Creating opportunities for people from Scotland to attend and participate in important international spiritual and inter-religious events abroad. The EICWS had representatives at the Millennium Peace Summit, August 28-31, 2000, at the United Nations, New York, at the Global Peace Initiative of Women Religious and Spiritual Leaders, October 6-9, 2002, at the United Nations, Geneva, and at the Parliament of the World’s Religions Meeting, 4-13 July 2004, in Barcelona, and at the 100 Imams and Rabbis for Peace Gathering, 3-6 January 2005, Brussels.