The idea of reconciliation has deep roots in Judaism, Christianity, Islam and other faiths, says the director of a new research programme on religion and peacebuilding.

MPs have left received wisdoms unquestioned in their latest report, which frames war-fighting as peace-building, writes John Heathershaw. This idea is quite modern and in keeping with the spirit of our post-colonial age. Yet its consequence is to mainstream peace-building as a strategy to extend world order without questioning the resultant injustices. There is an alternative.