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International Online Training Program On Intractable Conflict |
Conflict Research Consortium, University of Colorado, USA |
Religion is a very strong integrative factor for most people, although it can be divisive as well when different religious groups oppose each other. Nevertheless, churches can be a strong influence in moderating or resolving conflict. They tend to place a high value on human life and peace; many also emphasize the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation of differences.
A few religions--the Quakers and the Mennonites, for example--have a strong tradition of peacebuilding around the globe. But many other churches and religious groups have become involved in peace and justice issues as well. The Moravian Church in Nicaragua, for example, actively pursued peacemaking between the East Coast Miskito Indians and the Sandinista government during the Nicaraguan war. As is evident in the examples below, religious leaders have been active peacemakers and peacebuilders in many other parts of the world as well. Often they are considered more trustworthy than political figures because they do not have a conflict of interest as many political leaders do. Given the extent of their influence, churches can be a very effective integrative and peacemaking force, when they decide to do so.
Swazi Christians hold peace workshops for Hutu and Tutsi refugees
US Institute of Peace--Balkan Religious Leaders Support Minority Rights
The Quaker Peace Education Project 1988-1994 Developing Untried Strategies
Too many to list.
Copyright ©1998 Conflict Research Consortium -- Contact: crc@colorado.edu