MISSION

Founded in 2017, the Religion & Security Council (RSC) promotes the role of the “religious factor” in conflict resolution and peace-building across the MENA region, as well as Asia and Africa.

While religious views and identities are still too often misused to fuel wars, inter-state and domestic tensions, radicalization and violent extremism, RSC aims to highlight the potential of religions as drivers of peace and security, rather than crises and instability.

To fulfill its mission, RSC develops and leads interreligious dialogue initiatives that unite religious and community leaders, scholars, practitioners, civil society groups, media professionals, and younger generations, as the way forward to foster living together and cooperation for the common good among different religious denominations.

RSC also advocates for sound and balanced approaches to religious scriptures and doctrines to counter the radical discourse and narratives, as well as indoctrination and recruitment by extremist organizations, especially among the youth.

Tackling the socio-economic root causes of violent extremism is equally essential for RSC, which is actively engaged in backing humanitarian efforts within vulnerable communities.

RSC stands firmly by human rights against sectarianism and discrimination, while backing initiatives aimed at achieving reconciliation and peaceful coexistence in troubled areas and countries.

The solution to many of the crises of our time requires a positive and constructive engagement of the “religious factor”. Therefore, RSC will continue to address the nexus between religion and security to prevent conflict, facilitate the settlement of disputes, and advance dialogue and cooperation in pursuit of peace among communities, nations, and faith traditions.