“The Role of Religion in Peace and Conflict”

Call for Papers

Date: October 14-17, 2019

Venue: Struga, Republic of North Macedonia

Abstract Submission Deadline: June 30, 2019

One of the key questions that contemporary sociology is faced is what exactly is the role of different religions when conflicts emerged between civilizations, ethnic groups and states? How do religious individuals and groups use their power in a development tending toward either peace or conflict? Sociological, philosophical, anthropological, historical, psychological and theological approaches will be considered during this conference so as to attempt to answer these issues.

During this conference we will discuss and elaborate the relationship between state and religion in modern Europe. Throughout this conference we will also search to answer whether: wider Orthodox churches, Catholic churches, Islamic religious community’s etc. have weakened or sharpened ethnic conflicts and problems? Since they are separated from the state, it is clear that they cannot carry the primary guilt for inter-ethnic problems in Europe. But, they are not completely free of responsibility as well. If they are not responsible for what they say, they are responsible for concealing some matters. It gives the impression that religious organizations in Europe do not have enough power to speak in their own religious language, but in certain social-political moments speak in a somewhat collective language, where ethnocentrism becomes ideology of modern time.

The First European Conference on Religious Dialogue and Cooperation will provide scientific analysis of this global challenge.  It will pay particular attention to their interconnections and to possible solutions.

Conference theme is “The Role of Religion in Peace and Conflict” and the official language of the conference is English.

Conference Website: www.icrd.mk