Seminar: Religion og fredsopbygning

TIME: Wednesday, 26 September, 14.00 – 15.30

VENUE: University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Theology, Room 403, Købmagergade 44-45, 1150 Copenhagen K.

TIME: Wednesday, 26 September, 14.00 – 15.30

VENUE: University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Theology, Room 403, Købmagergade 44-45, 1150 Copenhagen K.

It is often argued that there is an intrinsic relationship between religion and violence. After the terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington DC on 11 September 2001, Islam in particular has been analysed and presented as such. Indeed, it has been widely assumed in the Western Hemisphere that the alleged threat of terrorism is to be found in the Islamic religion, specifically ‘Islamic fundamentalism’.

As this afternoon seminar will explore, this is a biased and simplified understanding of what the role of religion can be in peacebuilding. The seminar takes its point of departure in the context of conflict in Sierra Leone in the 1990s.

Sierra Leone’s religious leaders, Muslims and Christians, contributed to stopping the civil war and mediating negotiations between the government and the rebels (the Revolutionary United Front).

On this basis, the seminar provides insight into the active role that religious leaders may play in building and sustaining peace in war-stricken societies.

Programme:

14.00-14.05: Welcome; Hans Raun Iversen, Associate Professor, University of Copenhagen

14.05-15.30: Strategic Priorities in the Eastern Neighbourhood; Johnson Mbillah, General Advisor, Procmura, Kenya; Moses Khanu, Area Advisor, Procmura, Sierra Leone; Abu Bakahr Conteh, President, Interreligious Council, Sierra Leone

Moderator: Henrik Sonne Petersen, Project Manager, Danmission

The seminar will be held in English.

Participation is free of charge, but registration is required. Read more about the seminar and use the online registration form on the website no later than Tuesday, 25 September at 12 noon.

Please await confirmation by e-mail from DIIS for participation.