Five Ways to Advance Religious Engagement in 2025

In an increasingly fractured world, religion remains one of the most powerful forces shaping societies, conflicts, and pathways to peace. Yet, despite its influence, religious engagement is often overlooked or misunderstood in global diplomacy.

At a recent event co-hosted by the International Center for Religion & Diplomacy (ICRD) and the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), Bridging Divides: The Power of Religious Engagement in Global Diplomacy, experts and practitioners explored the transformative role religious actors play in mediating conflicts, advancing democracy, and fostering reconciliation. The panel included:

• Dr. Douglas M. Johnston, Founder and President Emeritus, International Center for Religion & Diplomacy
• Dr. David Little, Professor Emeritus, Harvard Divinity School and Former Senior Scholar, Religion, Ethics, and Human Rights, USIP 
• Martine Miller, Interim President, International Center for Religion & Diplomacy
• Palwasha Kakar, Acting Director, USIP, Religion and Inclusive Societies Program
• Kirsten Evans, Former USAID Director of the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships under the Trump Administration 
• Dr. Peter Mandaville, Former USAID Director of the Center for Faith-Based & Neighborhood Partnerships under the Biden Administration 

Drawing from their discussion, here are five key ways to advance religious engagement in 2025: 

1. Recognize Religious Actors as Essential Partners in Conflict Resolution

Religious leaders and communities are often the first to respond in times of crisis. They hold deep trust within their societies, making them uniquely positioned to mediate conflicts—even in cases where religion itself is not the root cause.

One powerful example shared at the event involved a madrasa leader in Pakistan’s Swat Valley—a former terrorist commander—who underwent a profound transformation after engaging in religious dialogue. Through these discussions, he came to see the peaceful intent of the Quran and began working toward reconciliation. These are the kinds of shifts that can only happen when religious engagement is taken seriously as a peacebuilding tool.

2. Bridge the Divide Between International Religious Freedom and Strategic Religious Engagement

Within U.S. foreign policy, conversations about religious freedom and religious engagement are often siloed. However, as panelists at the event emphasized, these two areas are deeply interdependent. Protecting religious freedom isn’t just a human rights issue—it’s also a diplomatic strategy that fosters stability and cooperation.

Unfortunately, this field is in danger of the dangers of political polarization, with different camps viewing religious freedom and engagement through conflicting lenses. Moving forward, policymakers must work to unify these discussions, ensuring that religious actors are seen as partners in advancing both human rights and strategic diplomacy.

3. Support Faith-Based Diplomacy as a Counter to Religious Extremism

One of the most striking themes from the event was the power of religious engagement in transforming individuals who were once radicalized. One story recounted how a Taliban commander who had lost his sons to violence benefitted from meaningful religious dialogue, as it helped him articulate the cycle of suffering he had been trapped in—leading to a deeper understanding of peacebuilding efforts.

Rather than treating religion solely as a driver of extremism, governments and civil society must recognize that religious engagement can also be a tool for countering radicalization. Faith-based diplomacy provides an avenue for addressing grievances in ways that are culturally and theologically relevant, offering alternative narratives that promote peace.

4. Engage Religious Leaders in Addressing Global Challenges Beyond Conflict

Religious engagement isn’t just about resolving conflicts—it’s also about tackling some of the world’s biggest issues, from corruption to climate change. The U.S. government has already started leveraging faith-based partnerships to address these challenges, but there is still much more work to be done.

For instance, faith leaders play a critical role in shaping public opinion on environmental stewardship. In many parts of the world, religious teachings influence attitudes toward conservation and resource management. Recognizing and integrating these perspectives into global environmental strategies can amplify efforts to combat climate change and protect vulnerable communities.

5. Approach Religious Engagement with Empathy and Humility

One of the biggest mistakes policymakers make is viewing religious engagement as a transactional effort—seeking to “use” religious actors to achieve diplomatic goals without genuinely listening to them. As event panelists pointed out, this approach often backfires.

A more effective strategy is to engage religious actors with empathy, treating them as equal partners rather than instruments of foreign policy. This means taking the time to understand their perspectives, acknowledging their concerns, and collaborating on shared goals. In an era where global divisions are deepening, fostering mutual respect in these relationships is more important than ever.

As we move into 2025, the need for meaningful religious engagement in diplomacy has never been more urgent. The insights shared at Bridging Divides: The Power of Religious Engagement in Global Diplomacy highlight the immense potential for religious actors to bridge divides, counter extremism, and contribute to global stability. But unlocking this potential requires a shift in mindset—one that sees religion not as a barrier, but as a powerful force for peace.

ICRD remains committed to advancing these efforts by working alongside religious leaders, policymakers, and civil society actors to integrate faith-based approaches into diplomacy and peacebuilding. If you’re interested in learning more about how religious engagement can transform conflict, check out our work and connect with us to identify potential partnerships or ways we can collaborate on peacebuilding efforts.