Religion is frequently cited as a cause of violent conflict, yet dialogue between faith communities often reveals that religion is not a primary source of tension. Moreover, faith-based approaches to peacemaking can be invaluable in promoting understanding and reconciliation.

The course applies general principles of faith-based peacemaking to two case studies, highlighting interfaith peacemaking efforts between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria, as well as the role that various faith communities played in helping to bring and end to the 36-year internal armed conflict in Guatemala.

Introduction to Interfaith Conflict Resolution

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Course Objectives:

In completing this course, you will gain proficiency in the following skills:

• Identifying key challenges and opportunities associated with religion and peacemaking
• Identifying typical phases of interfaith dialogue, along with common objectives, proven methodologies, and best practices
• Analyzing case studies in interfaith dialogue with reference to objectives, methods, and best practices
• Developing effective goals and objectives for programs involving interfaith dialogue
• Applying proven methods and best practices in programs involving interfaith dialogue
• Responding to challenges and obstacles associated with establishing effective dialogue between faith communities
• Identifying ways that faith leaders can be effective in third-party engagement
• Analyzing case studies and applying lessons learned in faith-based third-party efforts

This course includes numerous perspectives on the subject of interfaith conflict resolution, as well as on conflict in Nigeria and Guatemala. These perspectives come in the form of media clips culled from over twenty hours of interviews that we have conducted with Institute specialists and other noted specialists.