As part of an initiative aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and understanding of diverse religions in Iraq, the Generation Organization for Human Development organized a series of field visits to places of worship, including the Mandaean temple, the Mosque of Joseph the Just, and the Church of Mar Ephrem the Syrian. This initiative sought to strengthen relationships and understanding among various religious and community components through open meetings with religious leaders from different faiths, who welcomed the participation of diverse groups in their places of worship.

Visit to the Mandaean Temple: A Call for Peace and Coexistence

On October 24, 2024, the first field workshop took place with a visit to the Mandaean temple, where the temple's representative delivered a welcoming speech, explaining that the Mandaean religion calls for monotheism, peace, and love, emphasizing the values of living in peace, rejecting hatred, and respecting others. He also provided an explanation of the religious occasions and rituals specific to the Mandaeans, allowing participants to learn about one of the heavenly religions that emphasizes living peacefully with others. Participants, especially those who were not Mandaeans, expressed their comfort with the calls for peaceful coexistence from the temple's representative, mentioning that it was a valuable opportunity to learn about the teachings of this religion up close.

Visit to the Mosque of Joseph the Just: Islam and Teachings of Coexistence

On October 23, 2024, a visit was made to the Mosque of Joseph the Just, where the mosque's Sheikh warmly welcomed the participants and assured them that Islam calls for acquaintance and peace, affirming that the Holy Quran addresses all people without exception. He pointed out the importance of mutual respect and piety as the foundation for interactions among individuals. The Sheikh also discussed the Islamic calls for love of all prophets, stating that differences in religions do not constitute an obstacle to peaceful coexistence but rather a call to respect everyone. Participants praised the opportunity to hear such words advocating for tolerance, with some noting that they had never entered a mosque before, making the experience new and enriching for them.

Visit to the Church of Mar Ephrem the Syrian: A Message of Peace and Love

On October 29, 2024, the third workshop witnessed a visit to the Church of Mar Ephrem the Syrian, where the representative of Pastor Hanna welcomed the guests and emphasized that churches are homes for everyone and not just for Christians, stressing that Christianity, like other heavenly religions, calls for love, peace, and the rejection of sectarianism. He explained that the message of Christ includes helping others regardless of belief, focusing on tolerance, humility, and rejecting hatred. The words of the pastor's representative received widespread appreciation from the participants, especially since they noted that this was their first visit to a church and the information provided was new to them.

All workshops were conducted according to the planned schedules, effectively coordinated with religious leaders and relevant parties, who expressed their support and desire for more similar activities. Participants suggested repeating and expanding these visits to enhance young people's understanding of different religions and beliefs, in order to build a tolerant generation aware of the importance of peaceful coexistence.

In conclusion, these visits confirmed that all heavenly religions call for love and peace, and that mutual understanding among the community's components is the cornerstone for building a cohesive society characterized by respect and harmony.

It is worth mentioning that this activity was organized by the Al-Jeel Organization for Human Development in partnership with Peace and Freedom Organization and under the Participatory Grant-Making in JISRA (PGM in JISRA).