Part I | Brief Summary

Category G | Extrinsic Benefits

Topic 38 | Religious freedom as a tool for peacemaking

While peace and peacemaking are central concepts in most religions, religion and religious freedom are often viewed as major sources of contention, conflict, and even violence. However, studies belie that perception, showing that high levels of religious freedom actually defuse religious violence and foster peaceful societies. Moreover, religious individuals and organizations have special resources and are uniquely positioned to contribute to peacemaking and peacebuilding processes.