THE INTERSECTION OF RELIGION AND CITIZENSHIP IN PROMOTING PEACE

Section: Articles Published Date: 2024-11-11 Pages: 16-23 Views: 2 Downloads: 4

Authors

  • Bilge Mogul Center of the Research on Social Sciences, Social Sciences University of Ankara, Turkey
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Abstract

The intersection of religion and citizenship plays a crucial role in promoting peace within diverse societies. This study examines how religious beliefs and practices intersect with concepts of citizenship to foster social cohesion and conflict resolution. Through a multidisciplinary approach, including qualitative interviews, case studies, and literature review, we explore various ways in which faith-based initiatives contribute to peacebuilding efforts. Our findings reveal that religious institutions and leaders often serve as mediators in conflicts, promote interfaith dialogue, and encourage civic responsibility among their congregations. Additionally, religious teachings frequently emphasize values such as compassion, justice, and reconciliation, which align with the principles of effective citizenship and social harmony. This research highlights both the potential and the challenges of leveraging religious frameworks in peacebuilding processes, offering insights into how faith-based approaches can complement secular efforts in creating more inclusive and peaceful communities. The study concludes with recommendations for integrating religious perspectives into peacebuilding strategies and policy-making, aiming to enhance collaborative efforts for sustainable peace and civic engagement.

Keywords

Religion, citizenship, peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue