Participants of the national-level training programme on ‘Religious Leaders as Peace Builders and Facilitators of Dialogue,’ organised by Lead Academy in collaboration with NEISSR and Peace Channel on July 18. (Photo Courtesy: NEISSR)
DIMAPUR, JULY 21 (MExN): Religious leaders have a responsibility to serve as bridge-builders by promoting respect for diversity, addressing divisions and fostering dialogue in an increasingly polarised society, participants at a national-level training programme were told.
The training on ‘Religious Leaders as Peace Builders and Facilitators of Dialogue’ was organised by Lead Academy in collaboration with the North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) and Peace Channel on July 18.
According to a press release from NEISSR, the programme brought together 45 priests and religious from different parts of India and focused on strengthening their capacity in peacebuilding, dialogue and reconciliation.
Delivering the inaugural address, Fr VM Thomas highlighted the role of religious leaders in facilitating dialogue, particularly in conflict-affected regions such as North East India.
He maintained that their role should extend beyond preaching to becoming facilitators of dialogue and peacebuilding. Many conflicts within families, communities and institutions, he said, could be prevented or addressed through dialogue, compassionate listening and reconciliation.
The training was facilitated by Fr Dr CP Anto, Director of Peace Channel and Principal of NEISSR, who underlined that peace should not be understood merely as the absence of conflict but also as the presence of justice, mutual respect, trust, inclusion and harmonious relationships.
He identified dialogue as an important tool for preventing violence, transforming conflicts, rebuilding relationships and strengthening communities.
The sessions covered the principles and methods of dialogue, including active listening, empathy, non-violent communication, trust-building, conflict analysis, negotiation, mediation and collaborative problem-solving.
Interactive lectures, group discussions, role plays, simulations and practical exercises were also conducted as part of the training.
Fr Dr further stressed the role of religious leaders as bridge-builders, particularly in addressing social divisions and promoting respect for diversity. He encouraged the participants to foster a culture of peace and dialogue within families, parishes, educational institutions and the wider community.
The programme concluded with a renewed pledge to become ambassadors of peace, dialogue and reconciliation, contributing to the creation of more peaceful and inclusive communities across India, the release added.
