Date/Time
Date(s) - 27/07/2018
11:00 am - 1:30 pm
Location
US Institute of Peace
Categories
Religion influences both peace and conflict worldwide. Violent extremism is often framed in religious terms, and religious discrimination continues to increase as both a driver and symptom of conflict. But, religion drives peace and coexistence as well and religious actors are essential for advancing religious freedom. Efforts to engage religious actors in countering violent extremism (CVE) and interfaith peacebuilding must take this dichotomy into account. Join us, the International Republican Institute, and the U.S. Institute of Peace on July 27 for two panel discussions that explore the nexus of international religious freedom, CVE, and interfaith peacebuilding.
Perpetrators of violence in the name of a religion often target vulnerable religious minorities, resulting in increased discrimination, social hostility and extremist behavior. Within this scenario it is essential to understand the role religion plays, not only in providing theological beliefs but also in offering a sense of emotional and social belonging, spiritual meaning, and structure.
Misunderstanding religion’s role in people’s lives risks alienating potential allies from faith communities and civil society. The first discussion will explore how policymakers and practitioners can engage religious actors in CVE efforts in ways that ensure protection and the advancement of international religious freedom. The second panel will look at how interfaith peacebuilding can positively impact state policy related to religion and minority rights by building constructive relationships between groups in divided societies.
These panels are organized as a side event of the U.S. State Department Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom.
Speakers
Opening Remarks
Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA), Former U.S. Representative from Virginia
Tony Garrastazu, Senior Director, Center for Global Impact, International Republican Institute
Panel 1: Religious Engagement in CVE
Shaykh Abdallah Bin Bayyah, President, Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies
Humera Khan, President, Muflehun
Oliver Wilcox, Deputy Director, Countering Violent Extremism, Bureau of Counterterrorism, U.S. Department of State
Moderator: Nancy Lindborg, President, U.S. Institute of Peace
Panel 2: Interfaith Peacebuilding
His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje
Cardinal Onaiyekan, Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Nigeria
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, Secretary-General, Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA)
Susan Hayward, Senior Advisor, Religion and Inclusive Societies, U.S. Institute of Peace
Moderator: Mike Jobbins, Senior Director of Partnerships and Engagements, Search for Common Ground
See more information or RSVP here
