Videos
Spain’s places of worship are increasingly under threat in the modern era, facing a rise in vandalism, theft and deliberate acts of destruction. These sacred sites, which hold profound spiritual, cultural, and historical importance, have become targets of attacks that endanger their preservation.
The 2023 annual report by the Observatory for Religious Freedom, and Freedom of Conscience highlights emerging threats to religious freedom in Spain. Similarly, the report by Enhancing Faith Institutions on incidents against places of worship across Europe since October 7th, 2023, sheds further light on this trend.
While overall incidents of religious attacks declined slightly in 2023, the severity of violence and targeted hostility against places of worship and believers has increased significantly. Efforts to protect places of worship in Spain are essential not only for their religious significance but also as vital symbols of shared cultural heritage. Preserving them from harm is critical to ensuring that future generations can continue to access and appreciate these invaluable landmarks.
In this insightful video, filmed on October 4, 2024, Fedactio explores the art of fostering dialogue and the essential role of places of worship in promoting social cohesion in these interviews with Bernd Günter, priest of the Chapel for Europe, and Sabina Gonzalez, program manager and fundraising coordinator, who share their unique perspectives on:
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The risks and challenges faced by religious communities, both physically and spiritually.
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The significance of interfaith dialogue in today’s multicultural world.
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The social contributions of places of worship beyond their spiritual role.
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Advice and inspiration for other faith communities.
This video also ties into a dedicated guide on Brussels' places of worship and sheds light on how spaces like the Chapel for Europe build bridges, nurture dialogue, and serve the broader community.
Join us for an enlightening interview with Imam Hashem, a visionary leader from Bangladesh, who has dedicated his life to fostering inclusivity and harmony within the vibrant, multicultural community of Torpignattara in Rome.
Discover how his unwavering commitment to welcoming everyone into the Islamic place of worship transcends religious boundaries, creating a sanctuary of peace and mutual respect. Be inspired by his story of unity, compassion, and the power of faith to bridge diverse worlds.
In this video, we interview Stijn Ledegen to discuss key aspects of safeguarding places of worship. We explore what defines a place of worship and why terms like threats, risks, and attacks are used differently in security studies. Stijn provides insights on common threats faced by sacred spaces in Europe, comparing intentional attacks with structural issues like natural disasters.
We also discuss prevention strategies, including the role of technology, community efforts, and public authorities in protecting these sites. Lastly, we examine how interfaith dialogue and geopolitical tensions affect the security of places of worship.
On September 5, 2024, Fedactio spoke with representatives of Sainte-Suzanne Church in Schaerbeek (Brussels) about the importance of protecting places of worship and promoting interfaith dialogue.
In this interview, Paul Abou Naoum and Florence Verbrugghen share their views on the challenges faced by religious communities today. Dive into this enriching discussion and discover how these places, more than just religious symbols, are vital spaces open to all and in need of protection for everyone. Through this initiative, Fedactio aims to promote a positive image of places of worship and dialogue between communities, giving these places a human face by giving a voice to their representatives.
This video is made within the framework of PROTONE, a project co-funded by the European Commission. This project has a security focus, but with an original dual approach centred on intercultural and interreligious dialogue. We believe that dialogue is a powerful tool for prevention, as it helps to reduce tensions and prejudices by fostering mutual understanding and respect. It is also about raising public awareness that places of worship belong to everyone as a common good to be protected, not just to a specific community. Beyond their possible heritage value, these places are deeply rooted in the social fabric and contribute positively to society.
Join us on an enlightening journey through Rome's Tiber Island, a site steeped in history and symbolism. This remarkable location is home to a historic hospital favored by many women for childbirth, as well as two significant places of worship: the Church of St. Bartholomew and the Jewish Temple of the Youth, which share a common wall. In this video, Sandro Di Castro, the former president of the Jewish Community in Rome, delves into the unique history of the Jewish Temple of Youth (of which he is the founder) He shares previously untold details about its significance to the community—the oldest in Europe, dating back to 2 BC. Sandro also discusses the measures taken to ensure the security of this sacred space and offers a vision for interfaith collaboration aimed at protecting not only this temple but other places of worship as well, with a steadfast commitment to peace.
In this video we examine the security challenges faced by places of worship across Europe. From cyber threats to physical attacks, experts discuss the common risks and incidents targeting synagogues, mosques, and churches. We explore the differences and similarities between security models in Germany and the UK, the impact of technological advancements, and the unique challenges faced by religious communities. Join Paul Weller, Arnold Mol, and Aitor de la Morena as they share their insights on enhancing safety measures and addressing threats to sacred spaces.