Abstract:
This thesis presents a comparative analysis of two different cases of religious
peacebuilding in Sudan prior to the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in
2005. The paper integrates concepts and theories of conflict analysis and resolution with
a review of the work of two facilitators. Douglas Johnston used faith-based diplomacy to
develop working relationships among top Muslim and Christian religious leaders and
scholars, leading to formation of the Sudan Inter-Religious Council. William Lowrey
cooperated with the New Sudan Council of Churches to engage at the grassroots level
with chiefs of the Dinka and Nuer tribes in the People to People process. The thesis
investigates the approaches they share and examines how they each creatively adapted
intervention methodologies to fit different contexts. The comparison demonstrates the
capacity of religion to play a positive role in a variety of conflict situations, promoting
sustainable societal relationships through nonviolent conflict resolution.
