The initiators
The House of One is the product of a grassroots group of three religious communities. The initial idea came from the protestant church community St. Petri-St. Marien which then joined forces with the Jewish community of Berlin, together with the rabbinical seminary Abraham-Geiger-Kolleg, and the Muslim initiative for dialogue Forum Dialog e.V..
"This square, where the city first came into existence and where its first church stood, is now to be home to the future. From the foundations of the old churches will grow a new place of worship, one that will allow people of different faiths to pray side by side. The people who come here will remain true to their own religion, continue to draw from its power, and engage in peaceable dialogue with one another and with members of the city’s secular population. This house will be home to equality, peace, and reconciliation."
Gregor Hohberg
Minister
"House of One is embodied by effective, heartfelt dialogue made manifest in an idea and a building. It’s our model for animated, interreligious dialogue; we’re making a contribution to world peace by forging a link between tradition and the present day.
"From establishing the best architectural language to setting up foundations that give equal weight to religion and society, our work has provided hope, moving and winning hearts worldwide. We are very grateful for the trust we inspire, which in turn instils in us a sense of responsibility."
Kadir Sanci
Imam
"A place that has darkness in its past has the potential for peace in its future. As a Jew, I associate Berlin with memories of pain and deep wounds – but that is not the end of the story. The city has also been a place of alternative paths, a place of enlightenment and of the development of Jewish life. When the Jews were expelled from Spain, they did not return to the country for 500 years. But in Berlin, when the Second World War ended in 1945, the Jews who had been in hiding and those who had fled to the country immediately began rebuilding a new Jewish life in the city. For me, Berlin is all about remembrance and rebirth."
Tovia BenChorin
Rabbi
