The inauguration ceremony was attended by a number of United Nations ambassadors, Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel, founder of the Coexist Foundation, and spiritual leaders of the Abrahamic religions, including Imam Ali Shamsi, Orthodox Emny, Father Patrick Ryan, Rabbi Julie Schonfeld, and Priest William Findley.
NYPL President Paul LeClerc said he was pleased with the inauguration of this exhibition, considering “Three Faiths” one of the most important exhibitions during his 17 years as president of the library.
“Three Faiths” is displaying rare acquisitions and manuscripts from the three faiths, side by side for the first time in the United States.
The exhibition shed light on the most rare and beautiful sacred texts produced by the three religions for thousands of years through more than 200 items. The exhibition displays a number of copies of Qur’an, with pages that shimmer with gold leaf and elegant calligraphy, in addition to manuscripts from other religions, such as the Torah and the Bible, which were used throughout the ages.
The Coexist Foundation, founded by Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel, is representing Muslims as one of the main sponsors of the “Three Faiths”, in addition to other several organizations and personalities who are sponsoring the exhibition, each representing his religion.
The exhibition is seeking to show similarities between the three faiths. “Three Faiths” was inspired by the astonishingly successful British Library’s 2007 exhibition “Sacred: Discover what we share”, which was visited by more than 200,000 visitors.
Jameel stated that the “Three Faiths” is seeking to educate people about the similarities and commonalities between the three Abrahamic faiths, and to encourage understanding between believers of the three faiths throughout the world. Jameel said that the Coexist Foundation is supporting the exhibition based on its belief in the importance of sustaining coexistence and peace efforts.
The Coexist Foundation has donated a unique lighting show to the facade of the New York Public Library during the display of the exhibition. The British artist Ross Ashton, who created the show said, “It’s an enormous honor to be working in a world landmark building. I’m also thrilled to be part of a project that helps promote a better understanding of faith.”
The New York Public Library Facade and the “Three Faiths” will illuminate until midnight during the display period of the exhibition.
“Coexist is delighted to be sponsoring Three Faiths at the New York Public Library, and to introduce this wonderful lighting show. This unique exhibition will stimulate thought and dialogue between members of faith traditions and the wider society to better understand how we can all coexist in society today. In addition, Coexist Foundation is seeking to improve understanding between members of the Abrahamic faiths and other communities,” said James Kidner, director of the Coexist Foundation.
“The exhibition will include a series of more than 400 educational programs for students and their teachers,” he added.
The exhibition, which ends on Nov. 27, is featuring over 60 different manuscripts and moving images from the Abrahamic faiths.