Peacmaking with religious brokers

A wonderful article in The Economist highlights the role of religious organizations as peacemakers. The article may be found here. Make sure to read the comments section, as well. You should also read the companion article in the Economist about the "discreet charms of the international go-between that can be found here.

Religious institutions may be best suited as peacemakers, according to the article, and it lists several instances in Latin America, Europe, and Africa.

What makes religiously-based peacemakers unique? According to the author,

• Neutrality, impartiality, and the ability to be an outsider acting as a guarantor of an eventual deal;
• Long-term commitment and presence on the ground;
• Contacts with local religious leaders; and
• Moral and spiritual authority.

I've attended a Christian-based mediation training put on by Peacemakers. It was a wonderful session put on by committed men and women. I'd recommend it. I will say that Peacemakers showed me something more than what I've found in my "secular" conflict resolution training--that it pleases God for us to live in peace with each other.

I'm not sure that all of the reasons for religious-based peacemaking are so very different than secular peacemaking. Being committed to the process, to the parties, and having knowledge are certainly common to both groups. What do you think? Are religious-based mediators better equipped to handle conflict than secular mediators?

The "companion" article is a fascinating read, also. It notes that, in the last 15 years, "military victories have resolved only 7.5% of conflicts, while negotiations have prevailed in 92% of cases....The challenge is thus not being a skillful warrior, but a skillful negotiator." Also, it notes that Kofi Annan, acting as a mediator in the Kenyan conflict, chose to have the parties work through another third party (to establish trust and calm) and had meetings at a secret location at a "game park" to avoid the scrutiny and pressures associated with the media. There are several lessons to be learned here: location matters, you need to get away from distractions, and the parties have to trust you. A mediator friend of mine will take the parties (separately) out to lunch at a nice restaurant to discuss the case and negotiations. He says that it's hard to be upset (he uses other, more colorful language) with someone when you are having a nice meal.