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loss of lives and livelihoods. Violent conflict disrupts devel-

opment and it can spill over borders and reduce growth and

prosperity in the entire region.

It is most unfortunate that religion is now being viewed as a

motive for conflict and seems to be depicted as a key component

in many current and past conflicts. In principle all religions

disapprove of violence and encourage coexistence, peacebuild-

ing and reconciliation among the interfaith community.

The Certificate in Interfaith Mediation programme was

inspired by the drive to adopt a more learned attitude and apti-

tude to deal with conflicts among people of different religions

in Malaysia. The programme focuses on building understand-

ing and respect between people of all faiths to work towards

promoting a cohesive society where all faiths are not only

tolerated but where individuals are respected and diversity is

valued and celebrated. Interfaith coexistence can contribute

towards a developed society free of violent ethnoreligious and

sociopolitical conflicts.

Interfaith coexistence can be achieved through facilitat-

ing dialogue, joint action and civic participation, as well as

raising awareness and understanding. Equipping leaders

of all faith communities to engage with each other and the

wider community is an important aspect of conflict avoid-

ance initiatives. In order to achieve this, it is essential for

religious leaders to be equipped with knowledge, skills and

tools for conflict prevention, mediation, transformation

and peacemaking.

In promoting skills required to curb potential future

conflicts the programme addresses the root causes of the past

and current conflicts in Malaysia. The programme also finds

it essential to promote the moral and spiritual aspects of reli-

gion against religious sentiments, prejudices and emotions

dominated by ignorance of the values of other religious prac-

tices and beliefs.

The Certificate in Interfaith Mediation programme has

been developed to:

• provide participants with the skills to mediate and with

knowledge of the principles and values of interfaith mediation

• promote peaceful coexistence between political, social

and religious groups in Malaysia

• address the root causes of religious conflict

• promote awareness of the psychology behind religious

violence and address its root causes, drawing on the

power of spirituality and the peaceful interpretation and

application of religious texts

• promote credibility in the community with the joint

involvement of religious leaders in the conflict resolution

process to create a community where acceptance and

compassion can overrule emotions dominated by ignorance

of the values of other religious practices and beliefs.

This pioneer Certificate in Interfaith Mediation programme

is designed to provide training to the country’s religious

figures to become peace ambassadors in their various

communities in Malaysia.

Research shows that establishing interfaith mediation centres

in various parts of the world has credibility in the commu-

nity since the involvement and efforts of religious leaders in

the conflict resolution process will create a community where

acceptance and compassion set the precedent. The university

is in the process of establishing an interfaith mediation centre

to promote research and training for religious and community

leaders involved in promoting peaceful coexistence between the

multireligious communities in Malaysia. The centre will address

the root causes of religious conflict and try to identify the best

mechanisms to reduce conflicts and tensions. This is expected to

create a harmonious community where acceptance, compassion

and tolerance set the precedent for resolving disputes.

The opening ceremony (left) and award giving (right) at the 4th International Seminar on Interfaith Harmony and Tolerance 2015, Malaysia

Images: IIUM

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