A Journey of Peace
A Journey of Peace
From 2 to 5 September 2008, Christian and Muslim religious leaders gathered to examine conflict in Eastern Africa and consider how faith communities could work together more proactively for peace, justice and reconciliation.
The conference challenged Christian and Muslim leaders to transform the peaceful teachings of their faiths into visible practice and sustained cooperation.
Areas Covered in the Report
- Religion, conflict prevention and reconciliation in Eastern Africa
- The role of faith communities in transforming armed conflict
- Christian and Muslim leadership for peace and development
- Small arms, displacement and regional insecurity
- Practical approaches to interfaith mediation and cooperation
- The Dar es Salaam Communiqué and conference recommendations
Selected Conference Highlights
Regional Peacebuilding
Participants examined the interconnected conflicts affecting Eastern Africa, the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region and the need for coordinated religious leadership.
Faith Communities
Presentations explored the reach, trust and institutional networks that enable faith communities to support mediation, reconciliation and conflict prevention.
Practical Reconciliation
The conference drew on the experience of Imam Muhammad Ashafa and Pastor James Wuye to demonstrate how former adversaries can become partners for peace.
Turning Faith into Peaceful Action
- Christian and Muslim leaders were called to address injustice and conflict jointly rather than react only after violence begins.
- Faith communities were encouraged to use their grassroots reach, moral influence and communication networks for early intervention.
- Participants considered election monitoring, peace education, interfaith cooperation and community reconciliation.
- The Dar es Salaam Communiqué expressed shared commitments and priorities for continued action.
Publication Details
- Title: A Journey of Peace
- Full title: Report of the Conference on Religion and Conflict Prevention, Peacebuilding and Reconciliation in Eastern Africa
- Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Date: 2–5 September 2008
- Edited by: Johnson A. Mbillah
- Publisher: Programme for Christian-Muslim Relations in Africa
- Length: 110 pages
- Category: Publications
Download the Conference Report
Read the complete proceedings, keynote contributions, peacebuilding presentations, Dar es Salaam Communiqué and supporting conference papers.