Interfaith Dialogue Center to be opened in Ur, Iraq

UR, Iraq — The Governorate of Dhi Qar in Iraq announced the beginning of construction of an Interfaith Dialogue Center that will include Christian, Islamic, Jewish, and Sabadean houses of worship, in addition to an interfaith dialogue hall and forum. The Interfaith Dialogue Center is being constructed in the city of Ur, one of the most important archaeological religious areas in the country.

The Assistant Governor of Dhi Qar for Planning Affairs, Ghassan al-Khafaji, stated that the project began by granting a license to build the first church at the site. The project extends over an area of 10,000 square meters. The work location was handed over to the investor several days ago and a company specialized in infrastructure construction started the work.

Al-Khafaji added that work is still underway to develop a basic plan for the city of Ur.

Religious clerics from different faiths believe that Iraq needs to strengthen the bonds of convergence and rapprochement among the people and hope that this project will help increase religious understanding and tolerance.

Researchers and specialists in interfaith dialogue believe that this project will help repair some of the damage to social relations done by the demolition of houses of worship by extremist groups.