The current incivility in the US, and the war in Ukraine, which is causing the same divisiveness among Russians, has me longing for the days when civility and tolerance were more prevalent, or at least outright intolerance was not socially acceptable. My son tells me I always want everyone to get along, and it’s true. The ability of people to accept the differences of others in their community is an extraordinary gift that improves the lives of everyone. And why wouldn’t we want to do that?

Today’s photograph that represents the hope of tolerance and acceptance is one I took in Kazan, Russia - the Temple of All Religions. This complex has been under construction since 1992 and includes the architecture of a Russian Orthodox church, mosque, synagogue, Chinese pagoda, and Buddhist temple. Inside, rooms are dedicated to individual religions, including several types of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, paganism, and others. Several rooms also function as art galleries.

The founder, Ildar Khanov (who died in 2013), was an artist and a visionary who said that the Temple was meant as a place where people of all religions could come together, “to give them a meeting and communication place.” He also wanted everyone to get along.

This place is spectacular. I wandered through room after room filled with religious imagery, stained glass windows casting colored light upon the displays. Khanov’s brother (who I met when I was there) and sister now maintain the Temple. I wonder how the Temple of All Religions has fared since I visited in 2019. Has it remained a beacon of acceptance despite increasing polarization? I hope so.