My son (then 14 years old) and I travelled from Andalusia in Spain, across north Africa and through the Middle East during the winter of 2006/7. His interests: ancient history and football. My interests: people of different traditions living well together and cafés.
We took notes, photographs (the photo at the top of the page was taken in Libya) and recordings but most of these are still stashed away with the incense grains, local newspapers and other souvenirs we returned with.
When invited to join an inter faith visit to Bosnia in October 2009, I decided to blog as I went.
After returning to London, I added a few thoughts on the Balkans as and when. And a few notes from other journeys, too – Pakistan, Brussels and Berlin, Turkey, the Balkans, Greece – and on adventures here in the UK.
Clouds on the horizon on the island of Iona, Scotland
There’s been a gap while I’ve been busy with Christian-Muslim relations, and then three wonderful years with the Iona Community as Warden at Iona Abbey. I’m now back in London, taking a break before jumping into whatever comes next.
I post on Twitter/X and you can follow me directly @multifaith.
A slim freelance blog holds some of the community work I’ve been involved in.
See the WELCOME below for a bit more.
From a recent evening with Iona Community friends
If you’d like more information or contact details about anything I mention, just ask. And let me know about your own activities around living well & equitably together.
Leave a reply to say hello here – and if you use social media, let me know so that I can follow you, too.
Catriona
Strength club in Iran – my son & I were warmly welcomed to observe this ancient practice.
WELCOME
How do we live well & equitably together – while remaining different? In London, across Europe, further afield?
I’ve worked with local religious, multifaith & community groups on public policy and on improving public services for those who rely on them most – including the co-production of public services.
Getting along, even when – especially when – it’s tough, has also been a focus of my former work with Christians & Muslims, churches and mosques.
I’ve also been part of an intentional community at Iona Abbey in Scotland, welcoming people from across the globe to join in the challenge of living well together, for a week at a time, with a focus on justice & peace.
With increased polarisation of views, and violent conflict within and between nation states, how do we support each other in upholding justice, bringing about reconciliation, holding space for honest and grounded conversation?
How do we listen seriously and deeply to people with whom we disagree or have little sympathy with? What are the systemic challenges? What needs to happen for us all to be able to share a common life, a sustainable way of living, a good life?
Catriona Robertson 
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