Religion plays a complex role in global conflicts and peacemaking efforts. While religious differences can fuel tensions and violence, faith-based initiatives also contribute to conflict resolution and reconciliation worldwide.

This section explores how religious extremism and persecution spark conflicts, while interfaith dialogue and faith-based peacemaking foster understanding. It examines strategies for resolving religious conflicts and promoting tolerance between diverse faith communities.

Religious Conflict

Extremism and Fundamentalism

• Religious extremism involves holding radical religious views that are far outside the mainstream beliefs of a particular religion and often lead to violence or oppression
• Fundamentalism strictly adheres to a set of basic religious principles, often literally interpreting religious texts, and rejecting modern or secular ideas that conflict with these beliefs
• Holy wars are wars that are fought in the name of religion, often with the belief that the war is sanctioned by God or will lead to a spiritual reward (Crusades, Jihads)
• Sectarian violence occurs between different sects or denominations within the same religion, often fueled by historical, political, or theological differences (Sunni-Shia conflicts in Islam)

Persecution and Conflict

• Religious persecution involves the mistreatment, discrimination, or oppression of individuals or groups based on their religious beliefs or affiliations
• Persecution can range from social discrimination and harassment to legal restrictions, forced conversions, imprisonment, or even genocide (treatment of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, Uighur Muslims in China)
• Religious conflicts often have complex historical, political, and social factors intertwined with religious differences, making them difficult to resolve (Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Northern Ireland conflict)

Interfaith Peacemaking

Dialogue and Diplomacy

• Interfaith dialogue brings people from different religious traditions together to foster understanding, respect, and cooperation, often focusing on shared values and common ground
• Dialogue can take many forms, such as conferences, workshops, joint prayer services, or community events, and can involve religious leaders, scholars, or lay people (Parliament of the World's Religions, World Council of Churches)
• Religious diplomacy involves religious leaders or institutions engaging in diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts or promote peace, often working alongside or in parallel with political diplomacy (Pope Francis' diplomatic efforts, Quaker peace initiatives)

Faith-Based Initiatives

• Faith-based peacemaking initiatives are efforts by religious individuals, groups, or organizations to promote peace, reconciliation, and social justice, often drawing on religious teachings and values
• These initiatives can include mediation, conflict resolution training, peace education, humanitarian aid, or advocacy for policies that promote peace and justice (Catholic Relief Services, Islamic Relief Worldwide)
• Faith-based initiatives often have the advantage of being able to reach people at a grassroots level and engage with local religious and cultural traditions in ways that secular organizations may not be able to

Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation

Resolving Conflicts

• Conflict resolution involves efforts to end conflicts and promote sustainable peace through negotiation, mediation, or other peaceful means
• Religious actors can play important roles in conflict resolution by providing moral authority, facilitating dialogue, or acting as mediators or arbitrators (Quaker mediation in Nigeria, Catholic Church's role in the Northern Ireland peace process)
• Peace-building involves efforts to address the underlying causes of conflict and create the conditions for sustainable peace, such as promoting social justice, human rights, and economic development (World Vision's peace-building programs)

Promoting Reconciliation and Tolerance

• Reconciliation involves the process of rebuilding relationships and trust between individuals or groups who have been in conflict, often through acknowledgment of past wrongs, forgiveness, and healing
• Religious leaders and communities can promote reconciliation by encouraging forgiveness, providing pastoral care and counseling, or conducting rituals or ceremonies of reconciliation (South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Rwandan gacaca courts)
• Religious tolerance involves respecting the rights of others to hold and practice different religious beliefs, and rejecting discrimination, persecution, or violence based on religion
• Promoting religious tolerance can involve education, interfaith dialogue, legal protections for religious freedom, and countering hate speech or extremist ideologies (United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, Interfaith Alliance)