Cardinal Vincent Nichols has welcomed an historic accord signed by senior Muslim and Jewish denominational leaders in the UK, which marks a defining moment in interfaith relations.
The agreement, The Drumlanrig Accord, was presented to His Majesty The King at Buckingham Palace, on Tuesday, 11 February.
The Accord sets out a new framework for engagement, built on mutual respect, dialogue, and practical collaboration. It champions the principle of disagreeing agreeably, ensuring that differences do not lead to division but instead foster deeper understanding. It is a call to action committing both communities to working together on practical initiatives that support the most vulnerable, tackling societal inequities such as discrimination, isolation, and poverty.
Cardinal Nichols said:
“I welcome this initiative by Muslim and Jewish leaders to work together for the common good. In my experience, developing friendships and close relationships between faith leaders is an essential part of encouraging social cohesion and good interfaith relationships more widely in this country.
“I look forward to continued collaboration with all leaders to ensure faith continues to play an integral role in a healthy society.”
This is a non-political initiative that represents a deep and enduring commitment from the UK’s Jewish and Muslim communities to strengthen relationships, promote understanding, and work together for the common good.
The Accord is the outcome of a year-long series of high-level meetings convened by Imam Dr Sayed Razawi, culminating in a private retreat from 14-16 January at Drumlanrig Castle in Scotland hosted by the Duke of Buccleuch. For the first time in UK history, senior representatives from eleven major Muslim and Jewish denominations gathered to shape a future founded on shared values, reconciliation, and social responsibility.
Signatories
The signatories of the Accord are:
Muslim Leaders
Chief Imam Dr Sayed Razawi
Shia
Senior Imam Qari Asim MBE
Sunni, Barelwi
Imam Sheikh Muhammad Ismail DL
Sunni, Deobandi
Head Imam Dr Sheikh Khalifa Ezzat
Sunni
Naushad Jivraj
President of His Highness the Aga Khan National Council for the UK, represented by Aliya Nasser
His Excellency Kinana Jamaluddin Bhai Sahib
Ismaili, Bohra
Jewish Leaders
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis KBE
Senior Rabbi Josh Levy
Reform Judaism
Senior Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg OBE
Masorti
Senior Rabbi Charley Baginsky
Liberal Judaism
Senior Rabbi Moshe Rubin
Orthodox
Senior Rabbi Joseph Dweck
S&P Sephardi
