This article explores the concept of social transformation, focusing on the role of religious leadership and the transformative potential of interfaith dialogue in promoting peace and social cohesion. Drawing on historical and contemporary perspectives, the study examines the contributions of influential religious figures, including Pope Leo XIII and Charles Cardinal Lavigerie, whose ideas and initiatives helped shape religious thought and the integration of faith into broader processes of social change. Particular attention is given to the Coast Interfaith Council of Clerics (CICC) in Mombasa County, Kenya, as a case study of religious engagement in peacebuilding and social transformation. The study adopted a qualitative research design, collecting data through 30 key informant interviews and four focus group discussions involving 66 participants. The data were analyzed thematically to identify recurring patterns concerning religious leadership, interfaith collaboration, peacebuilding, and social cohesion. Grounded in Catholic Social Teaching (CST) and conflict transformation theory, the study examines the CICC’s strategies, including grassroots engagement and interfaith collaboration, as well as the challenges posed by limited resources, religious extremism, socio-economic inequalities, and entrenched socio-political conflicts. The findings demonstrate the potential of interfaith initiatives to address structural injustices, foster reconciliation, and strengthen social harmony. They also underscore the importance of incorporating local knowledge and cultural sensitivity into peacebuilding initiatives to enhance their sustainability and effectiveness. The study recommends stronger partnerships between religious and secular actors, increased financial and institutional support for interfaith initiatives, and the development of robust theological education programs that equip religious leaders with the knowledge and skills required for peacebuilding. The article concludes that religious leadership, when combined with meaningful interfaith dialogue and practical social engagement, can contribute significantly to social transformation and the development of a more equitable and peaceful society.
목차
Abstract 1. Introduction 1.1. Social Transformation: Conceptual Foundations 1.2. Theories of Social Transformation and Globalization 2. Theoretical Frameworks and Methodologies 2.1. Religion as a Catalyst for Social Transformation 2.2. Indigenous and Interfaith Contributions to Social Transformation 2.3. Gender, Social Transformation, and Religious Influence 3. Historical Contributions of Religious Figures 3.1. Pope Leo XIII and the Foundations of Catholic Social Teaching (CST) 3.2. Charles Cardinal Lavigerie and the Anti-Slavery Movement in Africa 3.3. Archbishop Isidore De Souza and Democratic Transitions in Benin 3.4. Cardinal Laurent Monsengwo and Human Rights in the DRC 4. Interreligious Dialogue and Peacebuilding: The Case of CICC 4.1. Efficacy of Interfaith Dialogue in Peacebuilding 4.2. The Role of Grassroots Engagement in Peacebuilding 4.3. Challenges of Limited Resources 5. Discussions 5.1. Strengthening Partnerships for Greater Impact 5.2. Enhancing Theological Education for Peacebuilding 5.3. Increasing Funding for Sustainable Peacebuilding 5.4. Promoting Policy Advocacy for Systemic Change 5.5. Leveraging Technology for Wider Outreach 6. Conclusion References
Maganya H. Innocent [ Institute of Interreligious Dialogue and Islamic Studies, Tangaza University College, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya ]
Corresponding Author
Journal of Hyojeong Academia aims to serve as a global platform where researchers and scholars of various disciplines can contribute ideas for our sustainable global community of Co‐existence, Co‐prosperity, and Co‐righteousness. The journal is a multidisciplinary, open‐access, internationally peer‐reviewed
academic journal, and it invites all areas of research conducted in the spirit of post materialism including studies centering on God, studies unifying religions and
sciences, and studies on all aspects of Co‐existence, Co‐prosperity, and Co‐righteousness.
간행물
간행물명
The Journal of Sciences and Innovation for Sustainable Peace(구 The journal of Hyojeong Academia)
간기
반년간
pISSN
3140-1619
수록기간
2023~2026
십진분류
KDC 238DDC 289
이 권호 내 다른 논문 / The Journal of Sciences and Innovation for Sustainable Peace(구 The journal of Hyojeong Academia) Vol. 4 No. 2