University introduces new interfaith space for reflection
The University has introduced a new interfaith space on campus for reflection on campus, in partnership with UNESCO Refugee Integration through Languages and Arts (RILA).
A newly planted olive tree, located in a secluded grassy area off the path behind Professors’ Square, will act as a space to reflect, pray, meet with others, or just take some time to be alone.
The idea to use an olive tree was suggested by University Grounds Horticulturist Lead, Davie Jamieson. The olive branch has long been used to represent peace, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. Warming climates mean that the hardy olive tree, native to the Mediterranean and parts of the Middle East, can survive comfortably in Glasgow. Surrounded by indigenous Scottish trees – the sycamore, birch, rowan, pine and cherry – the olive tree acts as a representation of unity and integration.
Alison Phipps, UNESCO Chair in Refugee Integration through Languages and Arts (RILA), recognised a need for a space on campus wholly dedicated to the promotion of peace. Alison and colleagues in the University identified an absence of space for quiet community for reflection and remembering those lost in past and ongoing global conflicts and disasters.
The tree planting was marked with an intimate ceremony, during which attendees heard sacred Zimbabwean ‘Mbira’ music played by Tawona Sitholé and a brief introduction from Alison Phipps. A small wooden heart, carved from the wood of an olive tree from Palestine and engraved with the word ‘Peace’, was placed alongside the young tree, reinforcing the space’s dedication to peace and reflection, in this moment in history.
Alison Phipps, Professor of Language and Intercultural Studies and UNESCO Chair in Refugee Integration through Languages and Arts (RILA), said: “It is vital that as a diverse and at times divergent community, within our mutual respect of academic freedom, that we have places which are not inscribed with politics or formal religion. This tree can offer a sheltering space for gathering in hope and longing, hurt and loss – which recalls those many peace-making circles under the shade of trees world-wide, where wisdom can be found, in silence, stories or listening.
"It will be made by many quiet, intimate ceremonies in the months and years to come as people gather in hope and sorrow with words in many languages, and with silence and stillness. We are immensely grateful to Davie for his support and brilliant, practical leadership.”
Davie Jamieson, Horticulturist Lead, added: “The Grounds team are always eager to support our UofG community. As part of the Estates Strategy 2025, we are committed to designing spaces for collaboration and to build community, and we hope the olive tree will come to be an area known and used by anyone who needs it.”
Rev Dr Carolyn Kelly, University Chaplain, commented: “This olive tree is a gentle, budding reminder of our diverse community and the transplanting and flourishing of many faiths and community identities in this land. Its fruit is generous and life-giving, and its branches have symbolic echoes in ancient traditions and texts, not least for the Abrahamic faiths as a sign of hope in the midst of trauma. May this little tree take root here and bear fruit, and may it remind us of the potential for healing and connection.”
See some photographs from the ceremony below:
Support for any issues affecting members of our community is available for UofG colleagues here and students here.
Map of where to find the olive tree (located behind Professors' Square):
Related links:
UNESCO Refugee Integration through Arts and Languages (RILA)