Faith in Action: Strengthening Democracy and Peace

In recent years, democracy has faced a troubling decline. Across the globe, institutions once celebrated for promoting resilience, inclusivity, and justice are being tested by eroding trust, deepening polarization, and the rise of authoritarianism. As we approach 2025, the need to champion democracy, integrity, and peace has never been more urgent. Achieving this goal will require resilience, collaboration across borders, and a recommitment to universal values that uphold human dignity and rights. 

At the heart of this mission are religious leaders, who wield a unique ability to inspire unity and bridge divides. Rooted in principles of compassion, justice, and service, they are often the first to step up in times of crisis and the loudest voices advocating for peace and inclusion. The International Center for Religion and Diplomacy (ICRD) is deeply committed to equipping and empowering these leaders to strengthen their communities and uphold these vital principles.

Religious leaders are deeply embedded in their communities, and trusted for their moral authority and guidance. This trust enables them to take on transformative roles in promoting peace and democracy, such as:

• Promoting Inclusion and Tolerance: Religious leaders challenge discrimination and foster unity. In Libya, for example, tribal and religious leaders have mediated conflicts, fostering dialogue and preventing violence. ICRD supports these efforts, recognizing their power to build bridges in divided societies. ICRD has actively supported these initiatives to foster stability within Libya.
• Advocating for Justice and Human Rights: From Archbishop Oscar Romero in El Salvador to clergy in Myanmar bridging ethnic divides, religious leaders have long championed justice. ICRD has been working consistently to support religious leaders in amplifying their voices on these critical issues within Myanmar and across the South and Southeast Asia region.
• Supporting Democratic Engagement: Faith leaders have inspired civic participation globally. In Northern Ireland, faith leaders played a key role in facilitating peace talks during the Troubles, contributing to the eventual Good Friday Agreement. ICRD continues to collaborate with these leaders, ensuring that their voices shape democratic processes.

Insights from the Abrahamic Working Group Forum

Recently, I had the honor of attending the Abrahamic Working Group Forum in Indonesia. Over several days, partners and friends engaged in intense discussions on the current state of relations within and among Abrahamic communities. Together, we identified global challenges affecting democracy and peace and collaborated to design strategies that strengthen intra- and inter-religious relations amid increasing tensions and violence, with the Middle East as the epicenter generating ripples globally.

Religious actors working both within their own faith traditions and across the Abrahamic faiths—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—have a critical role to play in fostering democracy and peace in the Middle East and the broader region. This role includes addressing historical grievances, promoting mutual understanding, and building partnerships that transcend divisions. ICRD, as a core member of the Abrahamic Working Group, has committed to analyzing multilateral collaboration with the Abrahamic community to address divisive geopolitics and to promote peace across the region.   

A Shared Responsibility

As we look to 2025, the mission of ICRD remains steadfast: to foster institutions that embody democracy, integrity, and peace—inspiring hope, action, and resilience even amid political shifts. Through the integration of religious perspectives and inclusive community engagement, we can navigate the complexities of the coming years with compassion and resolve.

Religious leaders’ ability to promote inclusion, advocate for justice, and support their communities during times of peace and crisis makes them indispensable allies in the effort to strengthen democracy and human rights. Their work reminds us that lasting peace begins with trust, dialogue, and an unwavering commitment to shared values.

ICRD is proud to stand alongside these leaders, providing the tools, training, and support they need to make a lasting impact. Together, by collaborating across borders and beliefs, we can create a future where peace is not only possible but enduring—anchored by resilient institutions, inclusive partnerships, and advocates dedicated to the values we all hold dear – a peaceful present and future for our families, neighbors, and global community.