The Protone Project Final Conference, titled Beyond Protection: Imagining the Places of Worship in Europe, brought together leading scholars, religious leaders, policymakers, and civil society representatives to discuss the evolving role of religious spaces. Hosted at the Pontificia Università della Santa Croce in Rome and organized by Istituto Tevere, IDP, and Arco Forum, the event went beyond traditional security concerns to explore how places of worship function as social, cultural, and interfaith hubs.
 

A Pre-Conference Study Tour

The conference was preceded by a study tour on January 28 at the Great Mosque of Rome, led by Imam Dr. Nader Akkad and Dr. Massimo Cozzolino. Participants explored the mosque’s architecture, history, and role in interfaith dialogue, setting the tone for discussions about the significance of sacred spaces in diverse communities.

 

Key Discussions and Insights of the Final Conference

The conference sessions examined places of worship through multiple lenses:

 

The Ethnographic Perspective

Led by Professor Tahir Abbas (University of Leiden) and his research team, this session explored the intersection of security, safety perceptions, and religious integration. Findings revealed that while security measures are necessary, they do not always guarantee a greater sense of safety among worshippers. Additionally, broader social integration does not automatically reduce security threats, highlighting the need for nuanced, community-specific solutions.

 

The Sociological Perspective

Speakers Prof. David Lehmann (University of Cambridge) and Prof. Paul Weller (University of Oxford) emphasized the sociological imagination in rethinking security for places of worship. Discussions focused on balancing protection with openness, integrating religious sites into the public sphere, and acknowledging the historical and cultural significance of religious identity in shaping community spaces.

 

The Legal Perspective

A panel including Prof. Pamela Harris (John Cabot University, Rome) and Prof. Arhan Kardas (Potsdam University, Germany) examined the legal challenges faced by minority religious communities in Italy and across Europe. The discussion stressed the need for inclusive legal frameworks to ensure that all religious groups have access to dignified worship spaces, free from bureaucratic and financial discrimination.

The Transnational and Political Perspective

Speakers such as Prof. Pasquale Ferrara (LUISS University, Rome) and Fr. Manuel Enrique Barrios Prieto (COMECE) highlighted the role of interfaith diplomacy in safeguarding religious freedoms across Europe. They emphasized that places of worship are not just local concerns but global symbols of cultural and religious identity, requiring international collaboration and policy support.

 

Prof. Mohammed Hashas (Tor Vergata University, Rome) stressed the overlooked contributions of Islamic scholars to European civilization. The absence of these contributions in educational curricula reinforces the perception of Muslims as outsiders. To foster greater inclusion and interfaith understanding, he advocated for a more accurate and inclusive historical narrative that acknowledges Islam’s role in shaping European history.

Intercultural and Interfaith Collaboration

The final session, moderated by Dr. Luigi De Salvia (Religions for Peace), focused on trust-building and interfaith dialogue as key components of religious security. Rev. Dr. Thomas Wipf (Religions for Peace) and Dr. Massimo Cozzolino (SPIRIT Project) highlighted successful initiatives where religious communities have worked together to protect one another’s sacred spaces. Discussions also explored the newly formed Interreligious Council for Peace and Security, which aims to foster ongoing collaboration between faith communities.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A Post-Conference Visit to the Vatican

On January 31, conference participants were welcomed at the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue at the Vatican. Cardinal George Koovakad (India), Fr. Paulin Batairwa Kubuya (Congo), Fr. Laurent Basanese (France-Italy), and Fr. Markus Solo (Indonesia) expressed their support for the continuation of the Protone Project, citing examples of interfaith solidarity where different religious groups have worked to protect places of worship belonging to minorities.

 

Later, participants engaged in a study tour at St. Peter’s Basilica, led by Fr. Markus Solo, who highlighted the spiritual significance of the Jubilee Year and the Holy Door. The event concluded with the Friday Prayer for Muslim participants, emphasizing the spirit of inclusivity and mutual respect that defined the entire conference.

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Conclusion: A Call for Action

The Protone Project Final Conference was more than a scholarly event—it was a call to action for policymakers, religious leaders, and community members. Discussions reinforced the idea that places of worship must be protected not just through security measures, but also through legal, social, and diplomatic efforts.

 

As Europe grapples with religious diversity, shifting security concerns, and the challenge of integrating faith communities, the Protone Project serves as a model for collaborative, inclusive, and sustainable approaches to safeguarding sacred spaces. The unwavering support from religious and academic institutions, along with interfaith organizations, guarantees that this initiative will continue to inspire and drive future efforts to transform places of worship into powerful symbols of unity, peace, and coexistence.

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