Abstract
Religious violence has become increasingly relevant in political and academic discourses. Because of the revival of religions, the contemporary world cannot be understood without accounting for the role of religion and religious organizations in peace and conflict, including the case of Ethiopia. The purpose of this article is to examine the role of religion in peace and conflict in the post 1991 of Ethiopia. Methodologically, the paper employed qualitative research approach by relying on secondary sources of data. The findings of the research revealed that Ethiopia has many positive assets that have to be exploited fully and critically including the role of the Inter-Religious Council. The religious policies of the present Ethiopian government are remarkably different from any of the previous ones with regard to the measure of religious freedom they provide. Paradoxically, one may wonder why is it at this time, where religious freedom and equality of religion are guaranteed, we are witnessing increased tensions and violent religious conflicts in contemporary Ethiopia. Inter-religious relations in Ethiopia have been peaceful and tolerant for long period. However, the rise of inter-religious conflicts in recent decades is taking place. Generally, in contemporary Ethiopia religion is used both as an instrument for producing conflict in certain circumstances and as a powerful resource for peace and transformation of conflict in the society. On the whole, identifying the role of religion in conflict is a very complex task to accomplish, as there are multiple variables to be well-thought-out.
Highlights
In recent years, the issue of religious violence has become increasingly relevant in political and academic discourses [Abbink 1998: 110; 2014: 348; Svensson 2008: 5]
The contemporary world cannot be understood without accounting for the role of religion and religious organizations in peace and conflict
According to Levine [1974] for example, Ethiopia is often labeled as a model of religious tolerance despite occasional persecutions of followers of other religions than the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) which had occupied a privileged status as a state religion up until the 1974 revolution
Summary
The issue of religious violence has become increasingly relevant in political and academic discourses [Abbink 1998: 110; 2014: 348; Svensson 2008: 5]. Irrespective of the constitutionally guaranteed religious freedom and equality of religion, in recent times, we are witnessing increased interreligious tensions and violent conflicts. As it is argued by many scholars, religion is most probably a category too broad for meaningful analysis. Factors are embedded in a complex and dynamic setting of other political, social, economic and cultural conditions In this respect, Tarekegn stated that “ religions officially advocate peace and reconciliation, there are persistent and widespread allegations that established religions are involved in violent conflicts. Relevant publications were identified and reviewed by consulting secondary resources, including books and journal articles
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