Open Forum on the Protection of Places of Worship and Intercultural Dinner, Madrid | 27.01.2025

In by Temir Naziri

On Monday, January 27, the Open Forum Session on the Protection of Places of Worship took place at the Centro Ecuménico Julián García Hernando in Madrid. This event, held within the framework of the Protone Project, co-financed by the European Union, was designed to promote an open and participatory dialogue on the security of worship spaces. The session was particularly meaningful as it was part of the activities organised for the World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW). The event provided an opportunity to strengthen interfaith dialogue, raise awareness about the challenges faced by places of worship and explore possible solutions to enhance their security. The forum began at 19:00 and was warmly hosted by the Misioneras de la Unidad, with the valuable collaboration of the Asociación Amistad y Encuentro Interreligioso and Cultura del Encuentro. Participants from different cultural and religious backgrounds gathered in a space of mutual respect and understanding. The session included a screening of the video “Sacred Spaces, Shared Heritage. Protecting Places of Worship in Spain”, produced within the Protone Project, which set the stage for deeper discussions on the need for safeguarding religious sites. Following the screening, the discussion was structured into four key thematic blocks: Raising awareness about security in places of worship – Participants reflected on the importance of fostering a culture of security within religious communities. Risk assessment in external spaces – Attendees discussed how to evaluate potential threats and vulnerabilities surrounding worship sites. Security protocols – The forum addressed best practices in implementing safety measures tailored to different religious spaces. Communication for prevention and management – Emphasis was placed on the role of effective communication in crisis prevention and response strategies. Each thematic block was followed by a dynamic exchange of ideas, allowing attendees to share their experiences, concerns and suggestions for improving the protection of religious sites. The discussions highlighted the common responsibility of communities, authorities and civil society in ensuring safe and accessible worship spaces. > Closing and Intercultural Dinner After the forum, participants were invited to a light intercultural dinner, which provided a unique opportunity to continue the dialogue in an informal and welcoming setting. The dinner not only celebrated the diversity of cultures and traditions but also reinforced the bonds of solidarity and understanding among attendees. > Conclusion The Open Forum Session on the Protection of Places of Worship was a resounding success, fostering an enriching exchange of perspectives on a crucial issue. By bringing together people from different religious and cultural backgrounds, the event underscored the importance of dialogue, cooperation and concrete actions to safeguard worship spaces. The organisers extend their sincere gratitude to all participants, partner organisations and collaborators for their invaluable contributions. This event reaffirms the commitment to interfaith harmony, security and coexistence, key values promoted through the Protone Project and World Interfaith Harmony Week.