Sign up for our newsletter and event information. 2016. Religion is never a static or isolated entity, but should be understood as contingent upon a large number of contextual and historical factors. Yet simultaneously, some caution is in order because the relevance of religion can only be appreciated by disentangling with nuance the web of actors, ideas, discourses and processes involved. The Role of Religion in Conflict and Peacebuilding Perhapsa fuller picture of religion in todays world could be gained by observinghow religion manifests itself concomitantly at all these levels global,institutional, group and individual.An initial attempt to empirically distil the essence of religion ina comprehensive manner was made by American sociologists Glockand Stark (1965). Based on a theological construction ofauthority in reference to a book (MacCulloch 2004), the idea of religionbecame a function of power relations (Asad 1993; Thomas 2005;Philpott 2001; Shakman Hurd 2007), and according to Oxford historianDiarmaid MacCulloch (2004), a concept imposed on human behaviourby Christianity and especially its Protestant variant. Similar religious symbols, discourses, and actors can be utilised, deployed and behave differently in particular contexts, historical periods or regions of the world even if there are similar socioeconomic circumstances. Recommendations for policymakersand future research 10.Bibliography 1351114465764707375. Without quick, coordinated action in the wake of disaster, the disruption to daily life can make communities more susceptible to violence and conflict. Many of the conflicts involving violent groups asserting a religious identity ought to be read against the background of weak institutions, the breakdown of social relations, and failed states, which in turn have allowed the spreading of structural inequalities, corruption, a culture of violence, illegal trafficking and easy access to weapons. The designations employed in this publication and the presentation of material therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the IJLLR. WebIn this ground-breaking volume, the authors analyze the role of religion in conflict and conflict resolution. The Role of Religion in Conflict and Peacebuilding - Peace However, little attention has been paid to these actors and the religious dimension of womens work for peace, even though the role of From discussing ISIS to Development Goals, to Papal visits, to migration flows, various aspects of the broad phenomenon that we call religion have become a regular feature of current affairs. The idea is that on the basis of this evidence and lessons learnt, more discernment can be brought into various policy domains, institutions, and processes where religions salience has grown at times against Western secular assumptions. Yet some broad lessons can be learnt: The evidence we reviewed shows that religion can often exacerbate conflicts or ease them when people in leadership positions (both political and religious) decide to resort to religious values, symbols, and language for a particular purpose. Anew British Academy publicationcommissioned by DFID, that James Mayall and I have written had two aims in mind: to critically engage with the notion of religion in its multifarious facets; and to review the available literature and evidence on the roles of religion in conflict and in peacebuilding. Religion may play a role as a marker of identity,a mobilizing device, a basis for rationalizing violent behaviour ora source of values on which to base peace-building and reconciliation.The relationships between religious and other key actors, especially inthe state, are complex. For Geertz, religion tunes human actionsto an envisaged cosmic order and projects images of cosmic order ontothe plane of human experience (Geertz 1993, 90).The desire to attain this cosmic order is what engenders politicaltheologies, that is, sets of ideas that a religious body holds aboutlegitimate political authority in the world (Philpott 2007a, 507). The Role of Religion in Conflict and Peacebuilding From discussing ISIS to Development Goals, to Papal visits, to migration flows, various aspects of the broad phenomenon that we call religion have become a regular feature of current affairs. Many of the conflicts involving violent groups asserting a religious identity ought to be read against the background of weak institutions, the breakdown of social relations, and failed states, which in turn have allowed the spreading of structural inequalities, corruption, a culture of violence, illegal trafficking and easy access to weapons. The recent polarization in many parts of the world has motivated policymakers and religious institutions to begin taking more seriously the potential constructive role that religion and its various agencies can take in responding to violent extremism and in contributing to building stronger social cohesion in divided societies. Email: [emailprotected]. The role of religion in conflict and peacebuilding has all too often been depicted in binary terms: it is seen as a source either of violence or of The University of Winchesters Centre of Religion, Reconciliation and Peace (CRRP) was established in 2010 to help advance knowledge and understanding in the areas of religion and peacebuilding, and reconciliation. A report analysing the relationship between faith and conflict, and putting forward a set of recommendations Box 210 A107 Adam Street BT - The Role of Religion in Conflict and Peacebuilding. So resolving conflicts involving a religious component would need to go hand in hand with a reconstructing and rebalancing approach that addresses structural needs and allows the positive potential of religious discourse and values to re-emerge so that human relations can be rebuilt. Terms of use | P.O. But humanitarian relief often encompasses much more from education to medical care and cultural programs. Learning Hubs You can download the British Academy reportReligion in Conflict and Peace Buildinghere. Appreciate the ways in which religion can support peacebuilding, particularly reconciliation and mediation; Analyze religious dimensions to peace and conflict through a case study; and. Religion and Conflict - GOV.UK The Journal revolves around Socio-legal topics and is not restricted to any particular field or subject of law. 2017. Putting forward several recommendations for policymakers and scholars in the field, the study argues that they should strive to discern the complex ways in which religion permeates a conflict, whilst bearing in mind that it is not a major factor in every conflict. 2015. Keywords: Religion, Peace, Conflict, Conflict Resolution. As this simplification obscures the complexity of the subject, the British Academy reportaims to find a workable definition of religion as a starting point for a more meaningful analysis. Advertisement. By observing how religion operates and interacts with other aspects of the human experience at the global, institutional, group and individual levels, this report aims to gain a more nuanced understanding of its role (or potential role) in both conflict and peacebuilding. PY - 2015. Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. This section will pay particular attention to the various categories or dimensions of religion that interact with conflict dynamics, and offer practical tips from experts to analyze religion in particular conflict settings. Berkley Center for Religion, Peace & World Affairs Drew Christiansen, The Popes Divisions CY - Webconflict and peacebuilding gsdrc - Sep 23 2021 the role of religion in conflict and peacebuilding is complex yet has often been depicted in binary terms the report offers an overview of the relationship between religion and conflict and looks at the evidence on religion as both a Religion in Conflict and Peace Building And third, what are the most appropriateconcepts, objects, and methodological and interpretive parameters touse in the study of religion?These questions are even more important for those seeking to establishthe role of religion in situations of conflict and peacemaking/peacebuilding. While these features are supposedly related to eachother, they do not necessarily appear in equal measure in each scenario.They are useful analytics because they succeed in condensing a seriesof relevant concepts drawn from a variety of perspectives on religion.This kind of analysis of religion is further complemented by the qualitative approaches taken by French sociologist Hrvieu-Lger (2000)and American anthropologist Clifford Geertz (1993). The British Academys latest international policy report explores how the role of religion in conflict and peacebuilding has all too often been depicted in binary terms, which have obscured the complexity of the subject. Each fortnight we bring insights from Fellows of the British Academy and share our recommendations for what to read, watch and listen. ConflictWhile there is not room in this report to elaborate on theories of conflict,a working definition of conflict is nevertheless necessary in the interest, British Academy // The Role of Religion in Conflict and Peacebuilding9of clarity. News stories, speeches, letters and notices, Reports, analysis and official statistics, Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports, This report considers how religion interacts with the human experience at the global, institutional, group and individual level. You can change your cookie settings at any time. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. Georgetown University, Center for World Religions, Diplomacy & Conflict Resolution, International Center for Religion and Diplomacy, Network of Religious and Traditional Peacemakers, Advancing Global Peace and Security through Religious Engagement: Lessons to Improve US Policy, The Instrumentalization of Religion in Conflict, Religion in Conflict and Peacebuilding. In 2011 he coedited (with Ricardo Soares de Oliveira) and contributed to The NewProtectorates: International Tutelage and the Making of Liberal States. Duration:Estimated time to take course: 3-5 hours. Keeping in mind the organizational structure of religious institutions, the Vaticans actions are important in setting an example for Catholic institutions. 2015. While religion is often accused of inciting violence, all religions have strong theological narratives that support peace. Religion and Conflict SSESW's Dina Belluigi & Alison MacKenzie are at a collabortv seminar on Theorisg the Personal in Academia, hosted by Prof Zinia Mitra, Women's Studies, North Bengal Univ. Similar to the above challenge among policymakers, often traditional and conservative religious agencies continue to see their role as confined to providing religious and spiritual guidance to their followers; therefore, they tend to avoid engaging in their communities' social, political, or earthly affairs. When the Vatican gets involved, it is, in essence, exemplifying what kind of role religious leaders might play in earthly matters.. Similarly, there may be situations where non-religiouspersonalities appropriate religious concepts to help them implementtheir plans. However, the extent to and the logic through which religion is or can be associated with conflict and with peace remains a highly disputed issue. Publications ritualpractices, institutions), and with a supra-natural deity embodying andemanating some absolute truths. WebThis extensive literature review explores how the role of religion in conflict and peacebuilding has often been depicted in binary terms. The report offers an overview of the relationship between This often involves providing people with immediate needs such as food, water and shelter. The Role of Religion in Conflict and Peacebuilding - GOV.UK 2015. Democracy & Governance; Peace Processes; Religion, By: Mary Doak, Global Conceptions, International Interactions: The Holy See in World Politics Co-authored by Owen Frazer and Jean-Nicolas Bitter. Based at George Mason University in Washington, DC. The findings of the study show that religious factors and motivations vary in each case, supporting the contention that when it comes to understanding their role in conflicts, context is crucial. by To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. It also examines materials that faith-based NGOs have produced on conflict and peacebuilding, and builds on existing researchfocusing on religion that has been undertaken and funded by DFID tostudy the roles of civil society and equality in conflict and peacebuilding.In our analysis of all of these sources, we have devised a methodology that aims to capture the diversity of approaches that have beendeployed in the study of the relationship between religion and conflict/peacemaking, and also in the practice of dealing with these issues(i.e. The various organizationalforms associated with religious traditions may provide a basis formobilization, give humanitarian assistance during the emergency,assist longer term recovery and build peaceful (or confrontational)relationships in the longer term. WebThe role of religion in conflict and peacebuilding has all too often been depicted in binary terms: it is seen as a source either of violence or of reconciliation. WebThe role of religion in conflict and peacebuilding has all too often been depicted in binary terms: it is seen as a source either of violence or of reconciliation. A Bread for the World report on "Challenges for Peace Building Work of Religious Actors in Violent Conflicts." The report argues that religion is never a static or isolated entity but should rather be understood as a fluid system of variables, contingent upon a large number of contextual and historical factors. Complementary to this is thefunctional approach, which highlights what religion does to people,such as providing them with sources of identity, morality, law and order,or by linking them together into communities. Religion and the respective leaders are often viewed with respect and trust, creating an array of possibilities to strengthen processes within the population by incorporating religion. Reverend Gary Mason, a senior research fellow at Maynooth University, discusses how longstanding relationships between religious actors and their communities can open doors for dialogue that might be unavailable to other peacebuilders and how his experience in Northern Ireland can inform his new work to promote peace in the Middle East. New York, NY 535022 AbbreviationsAQIMAl-Qaeda in the MaghrebDFIDDepartment for International Development (UK)GSPCSalafist Group for Preaching and CombatHCIHigh Council of Islam (Mali)LBGTLesbian, gay, bisexual and transgenderMNLAMouvement national pour la libration de lAzawad (Mali)MOJWAMovement for Oneness and Jihad in West AfricaNGONon-governmental organisationUICUnion of Islamic Courts (Somalia)UKUnited KingdomUMCORUnited Methodist Committee On ReliefUSUnited States. The second examines sources that identify religion asa driver of conflict, while the third looks at sources that provide evidenceof cases where religion acts as a driver of peace. Religion is a dominant and complex factor in world affairs. However, religious ideas, actors, and institutions also serve as incredible resources and motivation for peacebuilding, inspiring people to courageous and transformative acts of peace. WebTHE ROLEOF RELIGIONIN CONFLICTAND PEACEBUILDING The British Academy is the UKs independent national academyrepresenting the humanities and social sciences. SW1Y 5AH, If robots steal our jobs, will they also take out our trash? Most countries are dealing with the Centre for Religion, Reconciliation and Peace Source: http://blog.britac.ac.uk/the-role-of-religion-in-conflict-and-peacebuilding/, Forgetting the Good: Moral Contradictions in the Response to Mass Migration, Why the UK needs a lifebelt to keep us all afloat, Catholic Social Thought and Prostitution Project, Fratelli Tutti: challenges to a world of closed borders, The Role of Religion in Conflict and Peacebuilding, Religion in Conflict and Peace Building here, http://blog.britac.ac.uk/the-role-of-religion-in-conflict-and-peacebuilding/. . This simplification The role of religion in conflict and peacebuilding is complex, yet has often been depicted in binary terms. Religion: part of the problemTerms such as religiosity, spirituality, faith, belief, transcendence,sacred, sense of belonging, culture, and identity are all componentsin the idea of and have sometimes been used synonymously with religion, but in fact they all have distinct meanings. The Role of Religion in Conflict and Peacebuilding - JLI For over a centuryit has supported and celebrated the best in UK and internationalresearch and helped connect the expertise of those working inthese disciplines with the wider public.The This project also benefitted from a productiveroundtable discussion held at the British Academy on 15 December2014, which brought together officials from various branches of theUK government, faith-based representatives, British Academy Fellows,as well as senior and junior specialists from the fields of internationalrelations, theology, sociology, history, philosophy, development studies,law, conflict and security.The report has been peer-reviewed to ensure its academic quality.The views expressed in it are those of the authors, and are notnecessarily endorsed by the British Academy, but are commendedas contributing to public debate.The report was commissioned and funded by the Department forInternational Development. Based Finn Church Aid in Helsinki, Finland. Geertz is renowned for hisdefinition of religion as:(1) a system of symbols which acts to (2) establish powerful,pervasive, and long-lasting moods and motivations in men by (3)formulating conceptions of a general order of existence and (4)clothing these conceptions with such an aura of factuality that (5)the moods and motivations seem uniquely realistic (Geertz 1993, 90).Yet, he also provides another definition that is perhaps more pertinentin attempts to understand how and why religion matters to so manypeople today, and how it motivates some individuals so strongly to act,whether for good or for bad. immediately freely available to read, download and share. Obviously, faith-based development and humanitarian relief organizations have been working to promote diversity, pluralism, and peacebuilding for at least two decades. In fact, as he hashighlighted, the Protestant concept of religion became an instrumentof intellectual hegemony because of the spectacular reach andpower of the British Empire and the United States (US). Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers D.C. Member Login Using the analytical framework above, each case examineswhat aspects of religion, if any, have been factors in causing,maintaining, preventing or resolving conflictual situations and violence.The choice of case studies is selective, and not representative of allpossible typologies of conflicts and all religions in the world. The Role of Religion in Conflict and Peacebuilding. This means that we need to reconsider rigidassumptions about and categorisations of any religion as bad (violent)and political, or good (peaceful) and non-political.2.2. AB - Contributor. However, the extent to and the logic through which religion is or can be associated with conflict and with peace remains a highly disputed issue. As a starting point for a more meaningful analysis, thisreport aims to find a workable definition of religion a concept that isfrequently applied to a diverse range of situations, institutions, ideologies and actors. the Muslim Brothers, the Evangelicalmovement) when attempting to gain a deeper understanding of howreligion works and the many ways that it matters to people. The British Academy is the UKs national academy for the humanities and social sciences. Most of the worlds population adheres to one religion or another, underlining the importance of faith in the lives of locals and their communities. Mohammed Abu-Nimer, The Vatican and Peacebuilding: Exploring the Church's Role in Conflict Resolution. Ste 100-514 Phone: +1 5545 66488 55 an inspiration for violence and a powerful force for peace. So resolving conflicts involving a religious component would need to go hand in hand with a reconstructing and rebalancing approach that addresses structural needs and allows the positive potential of religious discourse and values to re-emerge so that human relations can be rebuilt. and show in what ways and to what extent different aspects of religion were implicated either in the . Wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. PB - British Academy. 4. Visit British Academy // The Role of Religion in Conflict and Peacebuilding13factors could be of particular use for those civil servants and policy- anddecision-makers that are grappling with the dilemmas of respondingswiftly to crises with a religious dimension, whether at home or abroad.The case studies provide snapshots of conflicts in three differentregions of the world where the role that religion may have played isdisputed.

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