A pocket book guide to the Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths has been launched in Cork.
The booklet, which will distributed in schools and the University of Cork, has been compiled by the Three Faiths Forum.
Established in 2016, the Forum includes members of the three Abrahamic faiths; Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
It has distributed calendars to schools across Cork for the past three years. The calendars note key dates in the Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths.
Revd Canon Elaine Murray got the idea for the pocket book when she attended the World Council of Churches in Leicester, England.
"I saw the pocket guide which explains other faiths", she explains, "they outline what to say, what not to say, what to wear in a Mosque, etc."
When she learned that a grant was made available to St Philip's Centre, which published the Guide in Leicester, Canon Murray approached the same foundation to explain the aims of the Three Faiths Forum.
The 3FF aims to create a space where people of faith can dialogue openly and respectfully, come to a better understanding of each other's faith, and work together to enhance tolerance, cooperation and friendship in society.
Westhill Foundation, which provides financial investment and other resources to support religious education projects and faith-motivated activities, provided 2,500 in funding.
It enabled the Forum to print 10,000 copies of the booklet which will be distributed mainly in second level schools.
The Three Faith Forum says the initiative "is a small step in helping us understand our neighbour a little better".
University College Cork's Head of Study of Religions and Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Islam Amanullah De Sondy is also a member the Forum.
He says the physical and mental pressure of the Covid-19 pandemic is taking its toll on everyone.
"It's making us aware of societal differences even more. We also see a rise in action from those who wish to divide us, spoiling the paths of peace, love and accepting differences."
Mr De Sonday says religious persecution is a worry globally and he says action is required from the Irish Government to speak out against the injustices.
"This is a small attempt by the Three Faiths Forum to break down barriers by just knowing simple facts and learning about our Jewish, Muslim and Christian neighbours."
