News
The project—RE-SPHERE, or Shared Places for Heritage, Encounter, and Reconciliation in Europe, officially launched on 17 June at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
Funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe, RE-SPHERE started on 1 June and will run for 36 months, until 31 May 2029. The project combines expertise in cultural heritage, religious studies, peace and conflict research, digital technologies, political science, law, social sciences, and stakeholder engagement to develop innovative approaches that transform shared holy places into drivers of peace-building and social cohesion.
Prof. Dr Angeliki Ziaka, WCC programme executive for Interreligious Dialogue and Cooperation and scientific coordinator of the project, said: "Across Europe, and particularly in southeastern Europe, history has left a rich legacy of holy places that have, over time, been associated with more than one religious community or tradition. These sites do not diminish the distinct religious meanings they hold for individual communities. Rather, they reflect the historical complexity of Europe's cultural and religious landscapes, where different traditions have encountered one another across centuries. RE-SPHERE highlights the importance of recognising this shared heritage as a resource for strengthening mutual respect, dialogue and engagement, while fully respecting the distinct identity and religious traditions of every community."
A communique noted that the meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment to nurturing a culture of encounter and collaboration for the common good. “Participants expressed their hope that such collaboration will continue to inspire the wider society and contribute to the building of fraternity and peace,” reads the communique.
Rethinking shared heritage
Across southeastern Europe and neighbouring regions, churches, mosques, synagogues, monasteries, shrines, and other shared holy places have served communities of different faiths and cultures for centuries. These sites represent not only important cultural landmarks but also living spaces where identities, memories, and traditions intersect.
RE-SPHERE seeks to better understand how these places can contribute to reconciliation in societies affected by historical tensions and contemporary challenges. By combining interdisciplinary research with digital innovation, artistic expression, and participatory governance, the project aims to generate new knowledge, practical tools, and evidence-based policy recommendations that support heritage-led peace-building.
RE-SPHERE aims to create practical solutions that can benefit policymakers, cultural institutions, heritage professionals, religious communities, civil society organisations and local communities.
Following the kick-off meeting, the consortium will begin its first implementation phase, focusing on stakeholder engagement, research preparation, and the development of common methodologies across all work packages.
