• Religious perspectives

Religious perspectives

This report provides a series of case studies addressing specific religious conflicts through a variety of methodologies. The authors argue that in the popular mind, to discuss religion in the context of international affairs automatically raises the spectre of religious-based conflict. The many other dimensions and impacts of religion tend to be downplayed or even neglected entirely.

This paper draws on the following case studies and examples:

• what faith-based diplomacy can offer in Kashmir
• bringing religious leaders together in Israel/Palestine
• training peacemakers: religious youth leaders in Nigeria.

Conclusions include:

without credible local partners, no international actor has a chance of making much of a contribution to conflict resolution
• it is critical to link faith-based peacemaking to secular and political processes and authorities
• Western governments need to be more open and more sophisticated in their interactions with religious institutions in countries where religion is a significant source of conflict
• the religious environment created by faith-based peacemaking can be conducive to expressions of apology, repentance, and forgiveness.

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