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Paper short abstract:

Religions for Peace, a global interfaith organisation, relies on local actors to develop productive pathways to peace. I explore the role of such organisations in peacebuilding processes, and argue they sit between policy and practice, working to translate local needs to shape policy formation.

Paper long abstract:

How can non-governmental or faith-based organisations engage with local communities in conflict-affected societies to develop productive pathways to peace? Often peacebuilding initiatives are focused either on policy implementation or practical assistance to communities. It is the combination and effective collaboration between these spheres that could ensure the lasting impact of peacebuilding. I use a global interfaith organisation, Religions for Peace (RfP), as a case study to explore the role of non-sectarian, non-governmental networks in building peace processes that begin with local peace actors. Based upon 12 months of fieldwork with RfP Australia and the RfP Asia network, I examine how RfP has worked to facilitate communication and peacebuilding activities in contexts such as Myanmar, particularly through their struggles for democratic governance. As a movement, interfaith is predicated on creating a world of peace. What this ‘peace’ looks like differs amongst individuals, religions, and countries. Global interfaith organisations have emerged over the years to connect these visions of peace and develop networks to bridge local and global needs and knowledge. RfP is one such organisation which works with local actors to support peacebuilding agendas in diverse socio-political contexts. As an organisation, then, RfP International collates knowledge and provides support, so peace processes are relevant and effective for local communities instead of being led by policy from above. Ultimately, I argue, global interfaith organisations like RfP sit between policy and practice and function as essential communication networks to translate local needs to shape policy formation.