Journal of Global Peace and Conflict

Embracing a Common and Inclusive Approach: Building Sustainable Peace in a Violent Society from a Theological Ethics Perspective
Colman Okechukwu Nwokoro

Abstract
Every violent conflict and war have negatively affected the structure of the common good in affected societies, leaving parties in a continuous state of sociopolitical and economic hardship. Such confrontational situations always create a need for peace to restore and secure the common good's destroyed structures and institutions. However, establishing peace in a society torn by violence and conflict is a complex task. Research shows that many approaches and mechanisms have not provided the desired sustainable peace and reconciliation. This has led researchers, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, religious groups, and other stakeholders to explore ways to build sustainable peace that restores the structures of the common good. Since 2000, the United Nations, along with different bodies, has advocated for an inclusive and collaborative approach, emphasizing the importance of involving everyone at the negotiation table through fair representation of women, youth, and Indigenous peoples. This has become necessary, mainly when conflicts occur between two communities within the same state or country, or between the government and non-state actors. While this is the primary focus, this paper attributes the emergence of conflicts to poor governance and the silence of the church or religious organizations in the face of corruption by political actors and elites. In light of this, it highlights the government's failure, as well as the recklessness and irresponsibility of political actors and elites. Therefore, the article calls on the church to courageously and boldly make its presence felt, challenging the government and political elites to be agents of justice, recognition, and respect for human dignity, human rights, and equality. Against this backdrop, this article employs the Church’s theological ethics discourse as a method, which requires the Church to assess and evaluate itself, to question the status quo, and promote sustainable peace and development.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jgpc.v12a2