Conference of multi-faith Institutions in Bern
From May 19 to May 20 the conference of multi-faith institutions took place in Bern. The host, the House of Religions - Dialogue of Cultures, welcomed representants of existing as well as arising multi-faith center in the german-speaking area.
The host: The House of Religions - Dialogue of Cultures (translated from German: Haus der Religionen - Dialog der Kulturen) consists of 8 religious communities. Muslims, Hindu, Christians, Alevis and Buddhists all have their own cultural space within the building. The House of Religions stands for interreligious togetherness and the dialogue within the own rows as well as with the outside world.
A unique experience
To get together in one place with people of similar projects, to exchange information and learn from the others is an experience one can build on long lasting. The cordial hosts in Bern have created a program full of enriching new experiences that made a strong impression on all participants. Connection and exchange are important. During the conference it became clear again and again, that the image of the other projects one had formed in their head does not actually represent reality. Aside from that, an interchange is especially educational in terms of using the others experiences in one's own way of development. It goes to show how different multireligious buildings can be - in their construction, the religious communities that get involved, but also in the structure itself.
Learning from each other
The first day of the conference is filled to the top with speeches, presentations and discussions of a variety of topics. Aside from the contributions concerning construction and financing of multireligious buildings, the topic of interreligious ceremonies have high priority. Osman Örs and Gregor Hohberg represented the House of One and shared their very own experiences in holding interreligious ceremonies. Examples given were the prayer for soliarity during the pandemic which was held by a collection of multireligious hosts as well as the vesper in liturgical hospitality. To avoid an intermingling of the religions involved, but to "find a common point and elaborate that together", Osman Örs considers to be the key to successful interreligious ceremonies. The House of one stood out for its positive experiences.
Experiencing new things together
The second day, which started out with an interchange in the garden of the House of Religions concerning the shared challenges the projects are facing, is peppered with spiritual and inspiring moments. At 12:12 am, (German: 12 nach 12) a reflexion in hinduistic-christian community with the same name (a special program by the House of Religions) with a spiritual side note took place. The following Friday Prayer in the Mosque was held in 3 languages to equal parts in front of almost 300 participants. With a collective reflexion of the past two days followed by a puja, a hinduistic service, the day wound to an end. For our representants, the puja was especially impressive and memorable in its ceremony as well as the overall emotional mood, that caught on all spectators.
Food connects...
...not only at the shared Shabbat-Dinner with all participants on friday evening. The café and restaurant Vanakam of the House of religions takes on a central role of encounter and dialogue. Good food and a cozy atmosphere bring people together to talk to each other and connect - within the House of Religions as well as with outside guests.