IRD Activities

• The Choir

  Pontanima is an interreligious choir based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is wide widely acclaimed as an innovative peacemaking project, a shining ambassador of Bosnia-Herzegovina, and a major contributor to the cultural life of Bosnia-Herzegovina. In 1996, Sarajevo and all the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina were emerging from a war horrific beyond understanding. Massive ethnic cleansing and campaigns of terror had scarred the people and left them with little hope. In this environment the founder of the choir gathered a small group of musicians to sing for mass in his church. Because they could not find enough Catholics, he and the conductor invited people of other faiths. Pontanima took on a life of its own, widening its membership and repertoire until it became a truly interreligious choir. The choir now numbers around 60 members and is an accomplished ensemble that frequently performs for high-profile events, but also a dynamic community that gives tangible life and meaning to the dream of a diverse, peaceful society. Pontanima chooses repertoire representing all religious communities in Bosnia-Herzegovina today, particularly those of Abrahamic/Ibrahimic origin: Jewish, Christian Orthodox, Catholic, Islamic and protestant. People from all these religious traditions also sing in the choir. By singing each other's songs, members of Pontanima attempt to better understand and respect each other

• Interreligious and Ecumenical Gatherings

  Since 1998, Face to Face Interreligious Service has regularly organised at least two annual events that bring local religious leaders together in prayer and sharing. They are well attended by the general public and attract the attention of the media, symbolically promoting inter-religious dialogue and cooperation in a general climate of distrust and isolation

• Women in Theology and Interreligious Dialogue

  Face to Face works to promote women's position in society and has worked closely with local groups to organise or contribute to seminars on this topic. Beginning in 2006, Face to Face has initial funding for a project encouraging women to undertake graduate-level religious education and building a cadre of religious leaders with experience in grassroots peacebuilding. During 2006, Face to Face began to support women attending a Catholic theological school and another attending the Faculty of Islamic Studies, both at the graduate level. These women also volunteered part-time at the Interreligious Service

• Tours for Children

  Face to Face has developed a simple and yet powerful project to introduce children to the rich multi-religious environment that surrounds them. Groups of children from surrounding regions are invited to visit Sarajevo, accompanied by their own local religious leaders or chaperones. Face to Face staff members meet the children and lead them on a walk around downtown Sarajevo, entering a synagogue, an Orthodox church, a mosque, and a Catholic church. Children meet representatives from these religious communities and have a chance to ask questions. After the walk, the children eat lunch together before returning to their homes. Over 700 children have participated in this project.

Main Focus Countries of Activities

Bosnia and Herzegovina - World - Bosnia and Herzegovina - Bosnia and Herzegovina - Bosnia and Herzegovina