International Day of Human Fraternity

Abrahamic House

The first concrete implementation of the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together was announced the day after the signing of the historic document. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, announced the construction of the Abrahamic House on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi “to commemorate the historic visit of Pope Francis and Grand Imam Ahmad Al Tayyeb, and to reflect the peaceful coexistence of different communities in the UAE.” (Tweet)

Architectural Design

During the Celebration of Human Fraternity held in New York in September 2019, Architect Sir David Adjaye Obe presented the architectural plans. Three different houses of worship will be united with a single foundation around a garden—an image that has important significance in each of the world’s three major religions. These three places of worship will be contemporary in their design while remaining faithful to the narrative of each religion, Sir David explained. (Vatican News)

The award-winning architect was selected among a small group of architects asked to submit designs. As Msgr. Yoannes Gaid, Executive Officer of the Higher Committee, explained, the Abrahamic House will turn what has been used in the past as a means of division among peoples, into a point of contact. This is exactly what Sr David’s challenge was in coming up with an architectural design. “There has never been a building which houses the three faiths in one form”, he said. Rather than mixing the three, up he wanted to preserve “the unique experience of each of the faiths” while at the same time “connecting them all with one device”. The connection Mr Adjaye decided on is a garden. (Vatican News)

Recent Developments

Construction on the Abrahamic House continues and it is set to be inaugurated sometime in 2022. (Vatican News)