The Mission of ICRD

To prevent and resolve identity-based conflicts that exceed the reach of traditional diplomacy by incorporating religion as part of the solution.

Many ethnic, tribal and religious conflicts do not lend themselves to government-to-government intervention. To complement those efforts, ICRD employs its unique capabilities in the areas where it can have a value-added impact by:

1) decreasing religion’s role as a driver of conflict;
2) increasing the role of religious clergy and laity in peacemaking;
3) increasing the capacity of religious peacemakers;
4) increasing policy-makers’ awareness of and receptivity to the potential contributions of religious peacemakers.

Regardless of one’s spiritual persuasion, there are two compelling reasons why the Center’s work is important. First, the need for more effective preventive measures to minimize the occasions in which we are forced to send our sons and daughters in harm’s way. Second, the need for a stable global environment to support the kind of economic growth that can benefit an expanding percentage of the world’s population. By linking religious reconciliation with official or unofficial diplomacy, ICRD has created a new synergy for peacemaking that serves both of these needs.

New Developments

ICRD Annual Award Dinner

Monthly Update - April 2013

Increasing Influence: ICRD has come a long way since its inception 13 years ago. The Center is gaining international recognition and has elected four new members to its distinguished Board. Read the full update.

Monthly Update - March 2013

A New Curriculum for Pakistan’s Madrasas: With the central participation of Pakistani religious scholars, ICRD recently facilitated the development of a model curriculum for Pakistan’s madrasas based on best educational practices from throughout the Muslim World. Read the full update.

Monthly Update - February 2013

Sealing the Deal in Colombia: Resources permitting, ICRD will engage Colombia’s religious communities and women’s networks to address the challenge of reintegrating thousands of ex-combatants into civil society. Read the full update.

Monthly Update - January 2013

2013 is off to a good start! The State Department awarded ICRD a grant to support faith-based reconciliation seminars in Syria; ICRD’s Program Manager, Rebecca Cataldi, will be featured in an upcoming book about women working for peace; and an article by Dr. Johnston was published in the January issue of American Foreign Policy Interests journal. Read the full update.