Reconciliation in CI Policies and Practices Through the Lens of Peacebuilding

From Peacebuilding

Author: Bob Schreiter

Contents 1 Faith-based models of peacebuilding and reconciliation 2 Faith-based peacebuilding : What it is and what it is not 2.1 Faith-based peacebuilding is: 2.2 Rather, faith-based peacebuilding tries to: 2.3 Principles of Catholic peacebuilding include: 3 Caritas work through the lens of peacebuilding 4 Emergency Response 5 Post-conflict intervention 6 Development 7 Advocacy

Faith-based models of peacebuilding and reconciliation

In the development of models of peacebuilding and reconciliation that have been evolving since the mid-1990s, secular models of peacebuilding and reconciliation have moved away from conflict resolution to transformation. Whereas conflict resolution was aimed at ending conflict by removing the immediate causes of conflict, conflict transformation looked toward (a) involving the parties in conflict participating in solutions to end the conflictive situation, and (b) creating longer term integral human development to foreclose a resumption of conflict.

In conflict transformation, multi-track diplomacy has been an important means of achieving the goals of a lasting peace. One of those tracks involved is using the resources of religious faith. Caritas Internationalis has been instrumental in developing programmes that utilise principles of Christian faith to create a faith-based model of peacebuilding.

Faith-based peacebuilding : What it is and what it is not

Faith-based peacebuilding recognises what secular models of peacebuilding can achieve. Secular models present themselves as a neutral space within which contesting parties may find common ground in promoting their respective interests in a non-conflictive way. They assume that when each party finds its values recognized and respected a peaceful solution can be found. The model promotes a common rationality within which the parties work.

Faith-based peacebuilding holds that even purportedly neutral models nonetheless hold within themselves sets of values. Secular models promote the values of liberal modernity that have come to predominate in powerful Western societies, but may not have the same valence elsewhere. These models may overlook other more specific values that are embedded in notions of community, social practices, traditions and common stories that shape these communities’ sense of their identity and purpose. Many of these values are to be found in the religious beliefs and practices of a community. Secular models tend to downplay or marginalise religious beliefs and practices, seeing them as incapable of helping communities make the transition into modernity, and as the source of residual values that promote sectarianism and conflict.

Contrary to this, faith-based peacebuilding sees a community’s religious beliefs and practices as the resource that allows those communities to risk moving beyond set enclaves, and embracing new possibilities for constructing society. Values such as compassion, mercy and forgiveness are essential for reaching out across conflict to forge new bonds of social solidarity.

The faith out of which Caritas Internationalis carries on its activity is Catholic Social Teaching. This faith may not be shared by contesting parties with which Caritas members are working, but their recognition of Caritas’ own commitment to faith may make them more amenable to intervention from members of the Caritas network.

Faith-based peacebuilding is:

• not about proselytizing others to our position

• not insisting on a sectarian framework for resolution of differences.

Rather, faith-based peacebuilding tries to:

• foster a mutual understanding that will benefit all involved

• build upon a base of peace, liberty, social justice and shared moral values (Nostra aetate, 3).

Principles of Catholic peacebuilding include:

• God is the author and source of healing, forgiveness and peace

• Peace, not conflict, is the intended and natural state of humankind

• All human beings share a common dignity before God

• Religion has a guiding role in interpreting the intentions of God for humanity

• Religions in practice contain ambivalences (both promoting and undermining peace) but remain central ways to reach transcendence

• The healing process gives a priority to victims (option for the poor)

• Suffering, and the overcoming of suffering, is not only a material, but also a moral and spiritual challenge

• Overcoming conflict requires moving to a new place, not a return to the status quo ante

• Peace is created and sustained by recognising the need for repentance and forgiveness

• Peace is created and sustained by cultivating the virtues of truth, justice, mercy, and compassion.

These principles guide the formation and evaluation of policies of members of the Caritas Confederation, and shape the practices that flow from these principles.

Caritas work through the lens of peacebuilding

Peacebuilding is the lens through which the work of Caritas is viewed and evaluated. This means looking at all aspects of the work of Caritas members to discover how the principles of Catholic peacebuilding are embedded.

Emergency Response

• Does emergency intervention respect the dignity of those Caritas is trying to help?

• Do measures taken empower those Caritas is trying to help, or does it make them dependent upon future actions by Caritas?

Post-conflict intervention

• Do Caritas actions promote truth-telling and the pursuit of justice?

• Do Caritas actions promote respect for human rights?

• Do Caritas actions model mercy and compassion?

• Do Caritas actions prepare the ground for forgiveness?

Development

• Do Caritas development efforts promote a just social order?

• Do its efforts respect freedom of religious conscience?

• Do its efforts respect human rights?

• Is the option for the poor maintained?

Advocacy

• Does Caritas work in advocacy respect the dignity and the voices for whom it advocates?

• Does advocacy respect the dignity of those to whom advocacy is directed?