Sudanese Initiative Explores the Role of Religious Institutions in Supporting Peace

The Sudanese Initiative to Stop the War and Build Peace held a meeting in Khartoum with the Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Bishop Ezekiel Kondo, to discuss the role of religious and community institutions in supporting peace efforts and promoting opportunities for Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue. The meeting came as part of the initiative’s efforts to broaden discussions on ways to end the war and achieve peace in Sudan.

During the meeting, the initiative presented its vision regarding the role that the Episcopal Church could play in supporting peace efforts, given its status as a religious institution with a strong community presence. The church could contribute to bridging differences, promoting a culture of dialogue and tolerance, supporting initiatives aimed at ending the war, and paving the way for sustainable, Sudanese-led peace.

Peace studies researcher Mujtaba Abdel Aziz told Mashaweer that “involving religious institutions in peace efforts represents an important avenue for reaching local communities, given their presence, influence, and ability to build bridges of communication among different groups.”

He explained that “the role of religious institutions should not be limited to calling for an end to violence. It can also extend to supporting community reconciliation, countering hate speech, promoting values of tolerance and acceptance of others, and creating an environment conducive to rebuilding trust among Sudanese people.”

Abdel Aziz stressed the importance of broadening the dialogue to include various institutions and sectors of society, noting that “ending the war and building sustainable peace require a broadly inclusive Sudanese process that does not remain confined to political and military actors.”