As a student at the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution located at the Law School of Pepperdine University, I was blessed with the opportunity to study with the Right Reverend Brian Cox who plays an active role with the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy.
Brian’s course, Faith-Based Diplomacy, focuses on the task of bringing the resources of faith to the peacemaking process on an international scale. With faith-based diplomacy, groups like ICRD engage in Track II non-governmental diplomacy that enlists religious traditions in the conflict resolution process. Typically, Track I (official government) diplomacy is at a disadvantage as it lacks these peacemaking tools.
A recent monthly update from ICRD chronicles the excellent work the organization has been doing in collaboration with individuals and groups committed to promoting peace. The article is reprinted below. Contact information is provided for those who wish to follow and support this worthy effort.
The Mufti’s Vision
On January 7, 2010, The Washington Post reported on the changing tide of Pakistani public opinion in opposition to the Taliban, led in part by Jamia Binoria, a Karachi-based madrasa with which ICRD has been actively engaged for the last several years. Since our Center’s first visit to this madrasa in August 2006, the attitude and reputation of Jamia Binoria have done a complete turn-around, thanks to the steadfast efforts of Azi Hussain, ICRD’s Pakistan Project Director. Even more inspiring — earlier this month during our most recent workshop there, the Mufti in charge of Jamia Binoria asked Azi what ICRD can do to help his madrasa become a model for others as a moderate and peaceful institution. Link here to read the full Post story (including some interesting pictures).
This kind of change is taking place in other parts of Pakistan, as well. As you know, ICRD, with the courageous support of its Deobandi and Ahle Hadith (Wahhabi) indigenous partners, has been conducting numerous workshops for hundreds of madrasa leaders and administrators. These efforts, which focus on critical thinking skills, human rights, religious tolerance, and conflict resolution are inspiring meaningful change. However, we have now reached the point where we need to take the project to scale on a nation-wide basis — a challenge we are striving mightily to meet. It’s a very tall order, and we need all the assistance we can get to make the Mufti’s vision (and that of others like him) a reality. Thanks for your past support in getting us this far and for whatever else you can provide to help us finish the job. Together we can make it happen.
With best wishes,
Doug Johnston
President
International Center for Religion & Diplomacy
1625 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Suite 601
Washington, D. C. 20036
www.icrd.org
202-331-9404 (phone)
202-872-9137 (fax)