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Churches

There are plenty of churches in Edinburgh catering to a variety of Christian denominations and embrace different styles of worship, music, and fellowship rooted in different Christian communities. 

 

The African and Caribbean Christian Fellowship (ACCF) is a vibrant community of Christians from diverse denominations, focusing on fellowship among African and Carribean believers. They offer Bible studies, prayer meetings and social events.

The community Church Edinburgh hosts a group called Rooted, designed and run for young people and students to explore their faith and engage in community life.

The Freedom Centre International, a church-based charity, has a branch in Edinburgh with weekly services. They have a focus on serving the African community alongside others, becoming a gathering point for individuals and families from various African nations.

The Scottish Council of African Churches is a platform for African communities in Scotland that promotes unity and spiritual growth. They organise events and activities aimed at bringing members together and empower them through education and community service.

Mosques

Edinburgh hosts a diverse Muslim community with several dedicated mosques located across the city. 

The Edinburgh Central Mosque, located near the University of Edinburgh, offers daily prayers, Fridays sermons (Jumu’ah), educational programmes, and community events, making it a hub for Muslim students and residents.

Other mosques, such as Iqra Academy, Blackhall Mosque, and Annadale Mosque, also offers prayers facilities and educational programmes. These mosques are not only places of worship but also serve as cultural and social centres where students can connect with others, attend lecturers, and celebrate Islamic holidays.

In addition, the Shah Jalal Mosque and Islamic Centre is well-known for serving Bangladeshi and wider Muslim community in the Edinburgh, and it also hosts services, classes and community events.

Hindu temples

Although the Hindu population in Edinburgh is relatively small, you can find a well establish Hindu community that host a variety of religious and cultural events throughout the year.

Located in Leith, the Edinburgh Hindu Mandir & Cultural Centre is the main Hindy temple in the city. The temples welcome students and visitors from all Hindu backgrounds, including North and South Indian, Nepali, and Sri Lankan traditions. It serves both a place of worship and a cultural centre for the broader South Asian community in Edinburgh. They offer daily prayers (pujas), weekly bhajans, aarti, religious education, yoga sessions, and celebrations of Hindu festivals. Preeti Bhoj is also served on Sundays after the prayer session.

While not a temple, the Nepal Scotland Association (NSA) is a community hub for Nepalese and other diaspora communities that often host cultural events, religious celebrations, and community gatherings. They are also involved in various social and cultural projects with local and other ethnic minority communities.

Gurdwaras

In Edinburgh you can find a small but welcoming Sikh community, with gurdwaras that offers religious services, community meals, and cultural events.

The Guru Nank Gurdwara Edinburgh is the main gurdwara in the city. They offer daily prayers, Kirtan, Paath, and community events. The gurdwara welcomes students, newcomers, and victors; and Langars (a free vegetarian meal) are served to all visitors, regardless of background, every Wednesday evening (18:00-20:00).

Gurdwara Sri Guru Sinh Sabha Edinburgh is a smaller but active congregation that offers services and host Sikh festivals such as Vaisakhi and Gurpurabs.

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