11-17 May 2008

Histories of religions are closely intertwined with both violence and peace. Strategies that promote violence have permeated all religious traditions, sometimes overshadowing the core values of love, compassion, peace, justice and harmony – values that are at the foundations of religions. The interpretation and practice of religion have even justified violence, claiming to instill the rule of law, enforce and maintain identity and have misused power in oppressing people. Religious and faith communities still form highly effective platforms for motivation, recruitment and actions that embody violence. However claims of religion being the root of many conflicts and acts of terror reflect more often its function as an effective rallying point and route of action to serve narrow interests.

Religion also promotes peace, reconciliation and healing among individuals and communities. The practice of religion continues to motivate building of bridges among peoples. Life experiences rooted in faith reflect religion as a balm and bond that promote the cherishing of shared hopes, visions and challenges of the human existence. Religious motivation and adherence accompany communities in conflict resolution and in counterering human suffering, be it disease, oppression or poverty, in a sustained manner.

The challenge is to understand the dynamics of religion both as an instrument of peace and a weapon for volence and to practically apply this wisdom in overcoming conflicts. The seminar will provide an analytical and experiential space to:

·         Understand the promotion, use, contributions and justifications of both peace and violence in religious contexts;

·         Deconstruct and dissociate the pathology of violence from the core principles of religions;

·         Discern ways to overcome the application of violence in the context of religion in society; and

·         Reiterate the core values of love, compassion, peace, justice and harmony – values that are at the foundations of religions.

The seminar will bring together a team of resource persons who will also facilitate the discussions in a dynamic interaction with the participants. All participants will be expected to share their experience on how religion promotes both violence and peace in their own contexts. This sharing of experience is expected to enrich the discussions and deepen their engagement.

Dr. Gervasis Karumathy, Dr. Paul Isaak, Dr. Manoj Kurian, Dr. Amélé Ekué