Faith-based engagement in conflict transformation. The role of religious actors in peace building

Faith-based actors can bring about a significant reduction in the level of conflict and contribute to its prevention. Embedded in their environment, they are well-positioned to respond to the needs and concerns of people in conflict. They bring social capital in that they are able to link and build bridges between people and groups — vital assets in changing the nature of conflicts.

This consultation brings together conflict transformation practitioners from select countries, with experts in peace research and policy. In view of the upcoming elections in Zimbabwe, it seems appropriate that participants share experiences of past, present and potential future conflict situations in their countries.

The conference seeks to: 

- identify ways in which local religious communities, faith-based organizations and peace-building institutions can work together towards conflict prevention and bring about change

- examine the role of religion in conflict and peace building by analyzing experiences from the field and examining peace-building policy discourse

- facilitate the exchange of information and shared learning between peace-building institutions, academic researchers and practitioners in the field

- come up with guidelines for ways in which religious actors can work together to bring about conflict change

The conference is being organized in cooperation with the Zimbabwe Council of Churches