From the Ground Up

In recent years religion- and culture-based approaches to conflict resolution have been implemented at both the local and regional level. The U.S. State Department the U.S. Institute of Peace and other governmental agencies now recognize that religious leaders transnational religious movements and faith-based NGOs are central players in the post Cold War era of ethnic and religious conflict.Through the Mennonite Central Committee and its International Conciliation Service the Mennonites have been the leaders in this emerging area of expertise. This collection of essays chronicles analyzes and evaluates the Mennonite contribution to the new cultural paradigm in conflict resolution and peacebuilding theory and practice. Here essayists provide a thorough account of Mennonite initiatives to prevent resolve or transform conflict in a variety of settings. Part One of this volume sets the subject in historical context. Part Two presents case studies of Mennonite peacebuilding in South Africa Northern Ireland Colombia Nicaragua Somalia Liberia Haiti and Hebron. In Part Three four non-Mennonite scholars look at Mennonite peacebuilding comparing it to Quaker and secular techniques exploring its relationship with Mennonite religious values and assessing its strengths and weaknesses.Thoroughly researched and carefully argued From the Ground Up is a vital resource for students and scholars of religion diplomacy and peacemaking.