November 3, 2020
Interfaith approaches to peacemaking and conflict-prevention
In this conversation, religious leaders from Afghanistan, Bolivia and Rwanda discussed using faith to promote healing and reconciliation in their communities. The conversation highlighted the power of faith-based values bridging religious divides, drawing from the experience of local peace initiatives such as post-genocide reconciliation through cow sharing in Rwanda by Christian groups and mediation in indigenous Bolivian communities by an Aymara priest.
Sharing resources can bridge divides
Christophe Mbonyingabo, the founder and executive director of the Christian Action for Reconciliation and Social Assistance in Rwanda, started “Cows for Peace” (CFP), a post-genocide reconciliation programme that seeks to foster reconciled relationships between genocide survivors and their direct perpetrators through cow sharing. CFP facilitates individuals divided by conflict and trauma, not only to confront each other but also to learn how to trust and forgive. Christophe believes that true peace and reconciliation can only be achieved through discussion, repentance and forgiveness.
Understand cultural context to strengthen impact
Cows have a unique meaning in Rwandan culture. They are a sign of wealth, value and dignity. Cows produce not only milk but also manure, which supports crop growth; they are also given as dowries, considered the highest gift in Rwandan society. It is important to understand such local norms and values in order to get buy-in from specific communities.
Religious commonality can lay a foundation of trust
As a country where 90% of the population identifies as Christian, Rwanda is embedded with Christian values,. Christophe explains that community members are more likely to honour, trust, and be at ease in the space provided for them by a Christian organization, and also are more receptive to the ideas shared.
Sharing personal stories humanizes the “other”
Rahmatullah Naworz, the founder of the Qamar Institute for Social and Islamic Research, took groups of people in Afghanistan and asked them to tell one another their personal stories. Afterwards, he gave the groups $200 and had them choose the recipient from among the groups. He found that every participant was willing to provide the money to second parties. This experiment illustrated that storytelling allowed people to see beyond themselves and empathize with others different from themselves.
Rahmatullah Nowruz
Rahmatullah Nowruz
Rahmatullah Nowruz
Rahmatullah Nowruz
Rahmatullah Nowruz
Rahmatullah Nowruz
Pascual Limachi Ortiz
Pascual Limachi Ortiz
Pascual Limachi Ortiz
Pascual Limachi Ortiz
Pascual Limachi Ortiz
Pascual Limachi Ortiz
Christophe Mbonyingabo
Christophe Mbonyingabo
Christophe Mbonyingabo
Christophe Mbonyingabo
Christophe Mbonyingabo
Christophe Mbonyingabo
