Conflict and Christianity and the Role of Religion in Africa’s Search for Peace

The ongoing and widespread realities of war, civil unrest and violence across Africa call for reassessing the role of Christianity in the continent’s search for peace.

Three possible directions to peace will be addressed in a free lecture sponsored by the Center for African Studies. The Sacrifice of Africa: Perspectives on Conflict, Violence and Peace will take place on Wednesday, March 18, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Union’s Africa Room.

The featured speaker, Dr. Emmanuel Katongole, associate professor of theology and peace studies at the University of Notre Dame, will lay out the three possible paths to peace. Responding to his presentation will be:

• Dr. Waganesh Zeleke, assistant professor in the department of counseling, psychology and special education in the School of Education
• Dr. Sarah MacMillen, associate professor in the sociology department in the McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts.

“Addressing violence and opportunities for peace in sub-Saharan Africa is of vital importance to the Spiritan commitment to justice and peace—and to our efforts to create a peaceful world where everyone, and our students in particular, can realize their roles as world citizens,” said Dr. Gerald Boodoo, director of the Center for African Studies. “This presentation and the responses to it by Duquesne faculty give select perspectives on realizing peace in our world.”

This special exchange, intended to engage the University community as well as the public, aligns with the overall mission of Duquesne, with so many ties linking the founding Spiritan Congregation and the academic community here with Africa, as well as with the goals of the Center for African Studies. A reception will follow.

For more information, email the center.