What is culture? Put simply: Everything that we teach our children. What and how we eat, how we dress, which language we speak, what we consider normal or peculiar. According to J. Bolten, the narrower definition of the term culture refers to that which we take particularly good care of and cherish (e.g. literature and art) or those things that we celebrate and venerate (cult, e.g. celebrity cult or the worshiping of gods.) In another sense, though, the word also refers to anything that we cultivate (cultivated plants) or how we live together (living environment.) After all, culture encompasses all the ways in which people shape life.
As a result, culture can play a decisive role in peacebuilding as, without a cultural link, it is very difficult to promote peace. Culture plays a dual role in this context:
On the one hand, conflicts are sometimes sparked by differences between cultures. Or, these cultural differences can be exploited to inflame conflict. Time and time again, ethnic and cultural affiliations are used as a tool to divide people. After South Sudan gained independence in 2011, a moment that represented great hope, the opposing sides of a bloody power struggle vilified the group affiliation of their adversaries (Dinka or Nuer), all to strengthen their position. Peacebuilding must analyze and consider these correlations.
On the other hand, cultures do have the means to overcome conflicts. Common norms and values (those things we regard as right and important) can help bridge differences, while traditional forms of conflict resolution can be acknowledged by different groups. Art can reflect conflict situations and contribute to solutions. As part of an artistic campaign in Iraq, children painted a tank in bright colors, creating a symbol that shines the spotlight on war trauma and reinforces the hope of peace. The Indonesian artist Wisnu Sasongko represents the people in his paintings using different colors as a way of protesting against interreligious violence and campaigning for a future in which people can live together in “harmony and diversity.” Peacebuilding must make the most of the potential afforded by cultural expression.
It is in this context that religion comes into play as a special case of culture. All the above applies especially to religion, as not only does it shape human life and create a sense of belonging, but it is also associated with its claim to the truth.
Religions have been misappropriated in numerous conflicts to fan the flames and fortify identities (we are the good guys,) to vilify opponents (the others are the “axis of evil”,) and to dramatize issues (this is about nothing less than implementing the truth.) This is how religious buildings like churches and mosques come to be ravaged or how holy books like the Quran or Bible come to be burned in public. In some countries, religious minorities are stripped of their rights and experience violence and displacement. The misinterpretation of religion can lead to extremist behavior in all religious communities.
Even so, religions have a unique potential to bring about peace. It is undeniable that all of the world’s religions teach their followers to value life and to align their actions with the well-being of their fellow human beings. Yet, it is clear that these “golden rules” are not automatically afforded respect. They require awareness, education, and practice.
The idea that religious communities have a special role to play in peace processes (M. Weingardt) is related to the fact that they are often a feature of conflict-affected areas across generations and are embedded in local networks. Furthermore, they are usually directly impacted by conflicts because their members sometimes belong to different opposing parties. Since religions involve personal relationships and mutual assistance, religious communities feel an emotional connection to those affected by conflict. Lastly, in many places, representatives of these communities enjoy the benefit of the doubt, unlike political actors.
This is why, as a faith-based organization with a history spanning over 200 years, Mission 21 places a particular focus on the role of religion(s) and sees “transcultural and interreligious peacebuilding” as one of its most important concerns. In the case of conflicts fought more so along cultural lines, like in Cameroon or South Sudan, we support partner churches and organizations that are sometimes the only entities that still have contact with both sides in their efforts to create understanding. With conflicts fought more so along religious lines, like in Indonesia or Nigeria, we work with Christian and Muslim organizations to promote peace.
From a short-term perspective, international cooperation aims to support those affected by conflicts – by securing basic necessities, providing emergency aid, assisting with rebuilding efforts, and helping people process their trauma. Longer term, the focus is on introducing measures in three complementary areas: Coming together, learning to understand one another, and finding solidarity. The Indonesian partner organization Jakatarub regularly invites 50 young people to participate in youth camps. Each time, a Muslim and a Christian share a double room – often only after initial protests. While they would otherwise live in different districts of a city or parts of the country and would rarely come into contact with one another, here, for the first time, they can get to know someone of a different faith on a one-to-one basis. In the short space of a weekend, the young people dispel many preconceptions and, in some cases, even form long-lasting friendships.
The Mission 21 Youth Ambassador Program allows young adults to meet others from different continents and engage in in-depth discussions about their cultural influences. They work together to address social and personal issues and learn how to better understand each other (and themselves.) Some of them report on what that means for them in this issue.
Taking into account and utilizing culture as part of peacebuilding endeavors can by no means be taken for granted. Cultures and religions, and the differences between them, are often suspected of disrupting peace rather than promoting it. And it often seems as though external, supposedly neutral, peace solutions are simpler and more effective. However, there is a growing appreciation that peacebuilding is only possible if references are made to culture and religion. Engaging with cultural customs and taking an earnest approach to religious influences is challenging and time-consuming work. It requires the significant involvement of local actors. We see this as a great field of learning that we would like to explore and develop as an international learning community. The International Forum “Daring Reconciliation?!” which is taking place online in September, also serves this purpose.