Interfaith Dialogue and Peacebuilding

Drawing on their experience in organizing interaction and cooperation across religious boundaries in the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, Northern Ireland and the Balkans, eight Christian, Muslim and Jewish contributors explore the formidable potential of interfaith dialogue. The first part of the volume analyses the concept and its varied application, the second focuses on its practice in specific zones of conflict and the third assesses the experiences and approaches of particular organizations. When organized creatively, interfaith dialogue can nurture deep engagement at all levels of religious hierachy, including the community level. It draws strength from the peacemaking traditions shared by many faiths and from the power of religious ritual and symbolism. Yet, as the authors also make plain, it also has its limitations and carries great risks.