A Christian church, an Islamic mosque and a Jewish synagogue will all be built at the same spot in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The initiators aim to enhance tolerance and peaceful existence between religions.
Called the Abrahamic Family House, the space was designed by award-winning architect Sir David Adjaye OBE, and revealed during a meeting at the New York Public Library by the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity.
The committee was founded after Pope Francis of the Catholic Church, and Dr. Ahmad Al Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar Al Sharif signed the “Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together” in Abu Dhabi during the Papal visit in February.
One of their first projects, the Abrahamic Family House, pursues the intentions of the signed document by having a church, a mosque and a synagogue in one location serving as a community for inter-religious dialogue and exchange.
Rabbi M. Bruce Lustig, Senior Rabbi and Higher Committee member, says, “This is an important opportunity for all who believe in the power of faith and humanity. It will help build bridges between religious leaders and communities as well as foster peace and harmony in an era that is too often defined by difference. I am honoured to be part of such an esteemed group working to champion love over hate, justice over injustice, and faith over fear.”
