In this book, Tale Steen-Johnsen explains how religious peacebuilders are limited by both formal and more subtle political strategies aimed at regulating civil society. Political authorities have a vested interest in keeping social and religious movements under control, which limits the opportunities religious leaders have to diminish violent conflicts between religious groups. This volume offers empirical examples of these connections in Ethiopia, Kenya, Zanzibar and Tanzania. It is valuable resource for both scholars and development practitioners interested in how politics and religion become conflated when religious actors engage to build peace.

Offers a new perspective on how religious leaders engaged to promote peace are limited by political provisions and control strategies Analyses limitations to the efforts of these agents Asks the crucial question: do religious leaders play the important role as peacemakers we often hope for?

Autorentext

Tale Steen-Johnsen holds a Ph.D in Sociology. One of her main research interests is the relationship between religion, conflict and peace on the African continent. Steen-Johnsen has extensive experience from the practical realities of such endeavours as advisor for peace and reconciliation within the NGO sector. She has lived and worked in Africa and Asia for many years.

Inhalt

Chapter 1: Religious Peacebuilding and State Context .- Chapter 2: Theory on State and Politics in Religious Peacebuilding Chapter 3: State and Religion in Ethiopia.- Chapter 4: State Control over Religious Peacebuilding.- Chapter 5: State-Religious Relationships in Ethiopia.- Chapter 6: The Scope of Opportunities for Religious Peacebuilders.- Chapter 7: State, Politics and the Legitimacy of Religious Peacebuilders.