Muslims, Jews and Christians open joint house of worship as 'good example of togetherness'

 AP Images / Kevin Frayer

It was once a city where Jews suffered for their faith but the new House of One is testimony to how different a city Berlin is today.

The House of One is a new multi-level centre being built in Petriplatz that will contain a mosque, a synagogue and a church, the BBC reports.

The site itself is significant, having once been home to the 12<sup>th century St Petri church that was badly damaged in the liberation of Berlin at the end of World War Two.  Its remnants were later completely destroyed by the East German authorities.

The idea of restoring the site to a place of worship came six years ago when archaeologists unearthed an ancient graveyard.

Rabbi Tovia Ben Chorin told the BBC: "From my Jewish point of view the city where Jewish suffering was planned is now the city where a centre is being built by the three monotheistic religions which shaped European culture."

Although the House of One will be a place of worship for the three faiths, the areas of worship will keep their distinctiveness, says one of the key figures in the project, Pastor Gregor Hohberg.

There will be an area to wash feet at the mosque, while the church will have an organ. Both the mosque and synagogue will have two levels; the church just one.

At the heart of the building will be a room that is used for dialogue, discussion and as a place of welcome for those without faith.

"Berlin is a city where people come together from all over the world and we want to give a good example of togetherness," said Pastor Hohberg.

News
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame

Over 323,000 people have signed a petition in opposition to new stained-glass window designs for Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God
Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God

Rapper Nicki Minaj opened up about her recently reignited relationship with God and what inspired her to speak out for persecuted Christians, suggesting that her rise in the music industry made it more challenging to maintain the spirituality of her youth. 

Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events
Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events

The Christian Institute has initiated legal proceedings against Keir Starmer in a bid to end civil service participation in controversial Pride marches. 

National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches
National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded more than £7.3 million to help maintain four historic churches.