The Public Conversations Project prevents and transforms conflicts driven by deep differences in identity, beliefs, or values.

The Pastor and the Imam—Nov. 13, 2009

Tags:

Public Conversations Project on Facebook

Tags in Blog Tags

civility community conversations dialogue higher education polarization politics Public Conversations public discourse questions religion workshops

more tags

All of us at the Public Conversations Project were delighted to hear of the Chirac Foundation's recent 2009 award of its first-ever Prize for the Prevention of Conflicts to Pastor James Wuye and Imam Muhammed Ashafa, of Kaduna, Nigeria. The Pastor and the Imam, as they are known, were honored for the work of their Interfaith Mediation Center toward interfaith understanding and coexistence in Nigeria. In May, 2009, the Pastor and the Imam visited the Public Conversations Project and we got an opportunity to exchange ideas about interfaith work.

The Chirac Foundation was created by former French President Jacques Chirac to act in the service of peace and in October, 2009 awarded this first-ever Prize for the Prevention of Conflicts. The Pastor and the Imam were originally the heads of religious militias, who later became partners and advocates of interfaith mediation and dialogue. Together in 1995 they created the Interfaith Mediation Center in Kaduna State. The Interfaith Mediation Center uses interfaith teams to resolve conflicts in their country, which has seen about 10,000 deaths over the past decade, due to religious conflict. They have presented trainings in schools, universities and community settings, focusing on work with women, youth, as well as religious and political leaders. Their work is documented in the United States Institute of Peace-funded film: The Imam and the Pastor.

Their unique approach emphasizes the role of religion as a factor for rapprochement and reconciliation. During my trip to Nigeria earlier this year, I had the opportunity to attend a youth training and was deeply impressed with the passion and commitment they bring to their work. Their efforts have led to easing tensions related to religious clashes in several Nigerian cities over the past decade. These efforts resulted in their being awarded the 2005 Peace Prize of Bremen. The Public Conversations Project looks forward to continuing our relationship with the Chirac Foundation's Prize winners.

What do you think about the Imam and the Pastor's work? Do you know about a group that should be considered for the 2010 Prize for the Prevention of Conflicts?

Dave Joseph

Vice President, Program
Public Conversations Project

November 13, 2009

susanc's blog

Comments

An Important Model

Submitted by Chloe Berwind-Dart (not verified) on November 17, 2009 - 4:05pm.

The Interfaith Mediation Centre 'alumni' I interviewed report significant, positive, and demonstrable shifts in attitude and behavior after their IMC training. Program participants are inspired by the transformation these two faith leaders have undergone together, and can point directly to how that inspiration translates into new interfaith coalitions, friendships, and economic opportunities in their own lives. I am excited that Imam Ashafa's and Pastor James' work continues to garner interest.

detox drinks buy online

detoxifying mouthwash by stinger online order 2 step thc/marijuana detox program for persons over 200 lbs

Congratulations to Imam Ashafa and Pastor Wuye

Submitted by John Lewis Moore (not verified) on November 17, 2009 - 10:47am.

This is wonderful news and a great tribute to the work of the Imam and the Pastor. I am glad for them and hopeful that this will draw attention to their important work and encourage others to support them and other peace builders in Nigeria, West Africa, and the world. Thanks for sharing the news. 2 step thc/marijuana detox program for persons under 200 lbs order price 5 panel home urine test kit