The Holy See sponsored, together with" Path to Peace Foundation" and the "Catholic Peacebuilding Network" a Side Event at the U.N. entitled, "Peacebuilding: A Role for Religion".
The panelists were: H.E. Ismael Gaspar Martins, Ambassador of Angola to the U.N.; Gerard Powers, Director of Policy Studies at the Kroc Institute at Notre Dame; Dr. Maryann Cusimano Love Professor of International Politics at the Catholic University of America; and Mr. John Ktunga Senior Advisor for Peaceabaauilding for the East Africa Region at CRS.
Ambassador Martins acted as the Moderator during the session. He emphasized the points that we learn from our experiences as also those of others. He praised Bishop TuTu for his peace initiatives and other religious leaders that helped Africa arrive at peace after many years of war and conflict. Mr.Powers spoke of the positive presence of the UN Peace Building Unit as it served to try to end conflicts among warring parties. He championed the idea that all agents must work together for desired goals. Professor Love sited the truth that peace building must have a holistic approach, taking into account peoples physical, social, and economic realities and helping those issues to be addressed - not only conflict resolutions. The final speaker, Mr. Katunga, gave examples of the many ways in which CRS has addressed the multiple problems it had to deal with. A key difficulty has been N.G.O.'s often has not cooperated with church programs in search of reconciliation among communities; Parish Council Members find it difficult to forgive enemies; women continue to be violated because of their gender, but finally raised a light of hope that in some communities women have taken leadership roles and are being recognized for their gifts and ways in which they bring about understanding among groups.
The Side Event was well attended, and the input well received.
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