Objective: To strengthen the capacity to promote religious peacebuilding in Africa.

Commitment: CRS proposes to provide financial support in the order of $400,000 over two years, and technical support to The Denis Hurley Peace Institute, which has as its objective the building and promoting of just peace in sub-Saharan Africa.

Background: The Denis Hurley Peace Institute was established in 2005 in South Africa as an affiliate of CRS’ long-term partner in the region, the Southern Africa Catholic Bishops Conference. It seeks to provide an avenue through which the Catholic Church, in concert with other faith-based leaders and peace networks, can make a greater contribution to religious peacebuilding efforts on the continent. Currently, the Institute is developing programs in the areas of religion and peacebuilding.

The Institute’s objectives are 1. To enhance the knowledge of economic, political and social conditions in conflict situations; 2. Model and increase the number of effective interventions for peace in Africa; 3. Build networks for collaboration between the Institute and other peace organizations and movements nationally and internationally, and 4. Establish training and education programs on peacebuilding, civic education, mediation and facilitation, and other areas relevant to the goal of building a culture of peace in Africa. The Institute will facilitate solidarity visits to and from countries in conflict. It will also offer key dialogue opportunities with key actors for peace in a multi-faith approach.

Partnership Opportunity: Seeking funding to support this project