• Religious perspectives

Religious perspectives

This report explores the religious dimension of international conflict. Looking at interfaith dialogue, the role of religious activism to promote peace with justice, and the U.S government relations with religion, it illustrates how religious leaders have addressed conflict and injustices confronting their societies.

It is argued that in recent decades, religion has assumed unusual prominence in international affairs. However, religious leaders have employed a variety of peacemaking techniques, ranging from mediation and facilitation to interfaith dialogue, to address conflict around the globe and make the world a more peaceful place.

Key points highlighted include:

•  no major religion has been exempt from complicity in violent conflict. Yet there is a propensity to oversimplify the role that religion plays in international affairs
•  with so much emphasis on religion as a source of conflict, the role of religion as a force in peacemaking is usually overlooked
• religious affiliation and conviction often motivates religious communities to advocate particular peace-related government policies
•  religious leaders and institutions can mediate in conflict situations, serve as a communication link between opposing sides, and provide training in peacemaking methodologies
•  given religion’s importance as both a source of international conflict and a resource for peacemaking, it is regrettable that the U.S. government is so ill-equipped to handle religious issues and relate to religious actors.
  

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