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.
Kyrgyzstan’s government has fallen, its provisional rulers are untested, and there is as yet no sign of a lasting political settlement, writes John Heathershaw. Yet that does not mean it will automatically follow the example of neighbour Tajikistan and descend into civil war. Peace is difficult but possible.
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.
Forty pastors from five different tribes and denominations met for a peace-building seminar at the Eastleigh Fellowship Centre, located in a semi-slum area of Nairobi, recently. The centre facilitates church and community programmes.