Religious organisations and conflict resolution

The role of religious groups in conflict and conflict resolution is at the centre of lively academic debate on the definition of religion, and of conflict, and on the link between intra- and inter-faith conflicts. Understanding these issues is key, as the number of people professing a religion in the world is set to increase in the next 40 years and the population share of the world's different religions will be affected by major demographic changes. Studies show that, in recent decades, the number of civil wars with a religious dimension has increased significantly. Nevertheless, many religious organisations are active in the field of conflict resolution and reconciliation across the world.

International organisations, states and think-tanks are giving increasing consideration to the religious dimension of conflict resolution. In 2016, the European Union appointed its first ever Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the European Union. The European Parliament is meanwhile attentive to freedom of religion and belief in its resolutions.

Author: Philippe Perchoc.

• Primary Source

ESO: Information Guide: Religion and Europe. The religious dimension within the EU and the wider Europe http://www.europeansources.info/record/information-guide-religion-in-europe/

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