Christian Councils as Agents of Reconciliation and Change

Christian councils in Africa have not always been
involved in peacemaking, despite the fact that
building peace is a mandate for all Christians, as
the Bible clearly states. But in the decade between
1900 and 2000, two African councils - the National
Council of Churches of Kenya and the South African
Council of Churches - vividly demonstrated their
expertise in effecting peace and reconciliation, and
showed that Christian Councils have certain faith-
based advantages other third party interveners do
not posses. This book recounts the councils'
efforts, strategies, and tactics in post-apartheid
South Africa and during the advent of multipartyism
in Kenya, as the two countries began travelling the
long road to inclusive and participatory democracy.

Autorentext

Lulsegged Abebe has PhD in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University, Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution. He is a researcher, practitioner, and trainer working for a peacebuilding NGO International Alert based in London managing the West Africa Program. He specializes on Africa.

Klappentext

Christian councils in Africa have not always been involved in peacemaking, despite the fact that building peace is a mandate for all Christians, as the Bible clearly states. But in the decade between 1900 and 2000, two African councils - the National Council of Churches of Kenya and the South African Council of Churches - vividly demonstrated their expertise in effecting peace and reconciliation, and showed that Christian Councils have certain faith-based advantages other third party interveners do not posses. This book recounts the councils' efforts, strategies, and tactics in post-apartheid South Africa and during the advent of multipartyism in Kenya, as the two countries began travelling the long road to inclusive and participatory democracy.