Moving Trends in Peace and Conflict Studies

The Nexus between Religion and Peace Building

Authors

  • Tinashe Rukuni Durban University of Technology
  • Noel Kansiime Durban University of Technology
  • Wilkister Milimu Durban University of Technology

Keywords:

religion, peace-building, conflicts, intervention strategy, nexus

Abstract

In moving abreast with the global trends in the field of peace and conflict resolution, religious practitioners are found at every level of the peace-building processes. The role of religion in the modern era cannot be underestimated since it has remained a resilient force in society. Religion transcends geographical boundaries that can be used to reach a majority of its followers, it teaches peace and love, even when the condition seems horrendous. The motivational factor for writing this paper emanated from the realization of the continuous surge in religious movements linked with acts of extremism and the many series of conflicts. This is a qualitative study based on the analysis of the available literature on religion and peace building. The overarching question was: What is the nexus between religion and peace- building? It was found out that despite religious extremism, including the extremism that courts war and conflict, religion remains key in peace-building. We recommend the need for tolerance, religious pluralism and strong partnership between religion and peace-building initiatives.

Author Biographies

  • Tinashe Rukuni, Durban University of Technology

    Tinashe Rukuni is a PhD Candidate in Peacebuilding with the Durban University of Technology [2016-2018]. He holds a Master of Science degree in Peace, Leadership and Conflict Resolution obtained from the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU). He holds other qualifications including: Graduate Certificate in Education (UZ, 2003); Bachelor of Divinity (AU, 1994-1997); Certificate in Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience Level 1 (EMU 2016); Certificate of Proficiency in Peace, Leadership and Conflict Transformation (NUST 2014); Certificate in Basic Alternative to Violence Training (AVP –KZN Network 2016); Certificate in Advanced Alternative to Violence Training (AVP –KZN 2016); Certificate in Training for Facilitation in Alternative to Violence (AVP –KZN 2016); Certificate in Understanding Elections and Civic Responsibility (YALI 2016); Certificate in Understanding, Creating and Maintaining Social Enterprise (YALI 2016); Certificate in Understanding, Strengthening Public Sector Service (YALI 2016) and Certificate in Understanding the Rights of Women and Girls (YALI 2016)

  • Noel Kansiime, Durban University of Technology

    Noel Kiiza Kanssime is a PhD candidate in Peacebuilding with the Durban University of Technology. He holds qualifications that include: an MA in Peace and Development work from Linnaeus University Sweden; BA Development Studies, Mbarara University of Science and Technology Uganda; Dip. Education (Secondary Schools) Kyambogo University Uganda.

  • Wilkister Milimu, Durban University of Technology

    Wilkister Shanyisa Milimu is currently a PhD student pursuing Peacebuilding and Conflict Management at Durban University of Technology. She is conducting an action research on “How peacebuilding can be used by University Female students to mitigate Gender-based Violence in Kenyaâ€. Previously, Shanyisa has worked as a Gender consultant and as a part- time lecturer in various Universities in Kenya including The Catholic University of Eastern Africa- Kisumu Campus- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. She has co-authored a journal article on “Enhancing women participation in peacebuilding and decision making processes in Zimbabwean rural communities†published in Journal of Information and Knowledge Management 6(9) 2016. In addition, she has written a book chapter on “Gender and Ethics†awaiting publication in a book entitled Intelligence of Managerial Ethics. She has earned a master’s degree in Gender and Peacebuilding from the UN Mandated University for Peace – Costa Rica and a bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences – Social Work from The Catholic University of Eastern Africa- Kenya. Passionate about gender and peace related issues. Shanyisa hopes to write more on the same and to help empower especially girls and women in the community so that positive change can be realised in society.

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Published

2017-06-30

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2017): The Fountain: Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies

Section

Articles

License

The copyright for all articles belongs to the authors. All other copyright is held by the journal.

How to Cite

Moving Trends in Peace and Conflict Studies: The Nexus between Religion and Peace Building. (2017). The Fountain: Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 1(1), 47-62. https://journals.cuz.ac.zw/index.php/fountain/article/view/35