Building on Each Others StrengthsPresented byFrancis Kuria

Built on the three main pillarsThe global connection with Religions for

Peace, drawing on its methods and approaches

The faith communities in Africa united in the diversity and solid foundation of faith

Embedded in the national councils as the feet firmly entrenched on the ground

ACRL Building the Linkages

ACRL draws vital structural lessons – the basic architecture of interfaith

ACRL through this alliance has a voice in the UN system and global movements– e.g. with UNICEF and UNDP, ICAN among others

ACRL is able to resource its actions through this connection – HACI example, NORAD etc

Toolkits and methods – Finance manuals, HIV Toolkits, SALW, Model IRC Constitution

Engagement with international campaigns International learning – IRCK has been able to share its

Faith for Life model with IRC - Myanmar

Connection with RfP Int’l

The major religious communities in Africa need to interact to address issues of common concerns

Many issues affecting parts of the continent are contiguous across national boundaries◦ Karamoja Cluster has conflicts between communities in Kenya, South

Sudan, Ethiopia and Uganda. Solving in one country will have no impact Development dialogue in international forums requires pan-

African voices e.g. Post-2015 Development Agenda, Jubilee Debt Campaign etc

In some instances, external voices needed to strengthen local action e.g. CAR, Burundi, South Sudan

Engagement with Africa Union and sub-regional bodies e.g. in East Africa we are building the IRC-EA to engage with the East Africa Community

Pan-African Interreligious cooperation

INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING AND NETWORK BUILDING

Building and capacitating NIRCs

Building and capacitating NIRCs

Building Local Interfaith Networks

Youth re - engagement to fight HIV/AIDS Ban Nuclear Weapons Campaign in Kenya Civil Society Forum and the Vienna Conference on the

humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons Peace March, Media campaign and tree planting Psychosocial Conflict Analysis Tool Kit Youth Peace Forum Seeds of Faith Youth in Action Conference Youth Mark the World AIDS day

Africa Interfaith Youth Network

Africa Interfaith Youth

Dissemination of our Institutional Strengthening Process

Revival of several IRC that are tottering or inactive especially in Ghana, Botswana and Rwanda

Establish sub-regional networks in West, Central and Southern Africa as institutional strengthening hubs

Build the Union of Islamic Councils of Africa to have more effective dialogue between Christian and Muslims in Africa

Strengthen the Africa Women of Faith Network

INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING AND NETWORK BUILDING – Way Forward

National councils and their leaders have primary mandate to deal with national issues

National councils create the institutional mechanisms that have knowledge of local contexts

National councils have connections with governments and local communities to deal with issues sustainably

National councils have mandate to build the capacity of the religious leaders to take concrete action

National council have the authority to create local interfaith dialogue mechanisms that transform local narratives in peace, reconciliation and development

Working with national councils

Thank you