Faith-Based Peacebuilding challenges in the Republic of Kosovo

Abstract

. Conflicting inter-ethnic relations have usually had a negative impact on inter-religious relations; in Kosovo, due to the close association of ethnicity and religion, the animosities have resulted in destroyed or damaged sacred objects. Despite the fact that no one can deny the role of religion in political processes, the role of Faith-Based Peacebuilding and tolerance among communities has not been taken into account. We argue that a participant, consensual, moralistic and even civic political culture - including the participation of religious actors - supports enabling a tolerant dialogue and potential peaceful coexistence between conflicting communities. This is important to be emphasized while Kosovo and Serbia are negotiating to normalize their relations under the European Union mediation.