ABSTRACT
Although the involvement of faith-based actors in conflict resolution processes such as mediation is not a new phenomenon, the constructive role religion can play in peacebuilding did not receive sufficient attention until recently. This chapter attempts to fill this gap by exploring this role and by analyzing how faith-based actors can contribute to effective mediation. Linking it to mediator identity, this chapter argues that the religious identity of the mediator can play an important and complementary role in resolving disputes in ethno-religious conflicts. The chapter first discusses advantages of faith-based mediators, such as legitimacy, motivation, leverage, and resources, and explores some of the potential impacts of faith-based actors during mediation including trust building, facilitating communication, enhancing shared identities, and altering perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors.
