Berlin is taking steps to eradicate religious hate and persecution by constructing a worship site for three religions, a first of its kind in the world.

House of One is an initiative by religious leaders Rabbi Tovia Ben-Chorin (who also chairs the organisation), vicar Gregor Hohberg and Imam Kadir Sanci that aims to house a synagogue, church and mosque under one roof. Fundraising for the project was launched on Tuesday.

The building will be financed entirely by sponsors and by donors who pledge through their website. One brick costs €10.

Architectural plans for House of One

Architectural plan for House of One

Rabbi Ben-Chorin said ‘The basic idea behind House of One is to bring people together who know little about each other. Ignorance is often the basis of rejection.’

‘The aim of our construction is to consciously promote non-violent and open dialogue between different religions and cultures. Everyone is welcome and invited to discover previously unknown aspects of other religions,’ added Imam Sanci.

Vicar Gregor Hohberg initiated the project that targetted Petriplatz as the site of the construction. Petriplatz is the site of a 2009 archaeological dig that revealed the city’s medieval centre. The vicar and the other leaders choose this site for the three religions that have had the longest association in Berlin.

‘We quickly agreed that something visionary and forward-looking should be built on a historic place such as Petriplatz, the founding site of Berlin,’ said Vicar Hohberg.