Viola Raheb in conversation with Brant Rosen, Mitri Raheb and
Mohammed Abu-Nimer
RELIGION AND ETHICS IN TIMES OF WAR
Can religion be a recourse for peace and justice
In times of conflict and war, religions and their ethical
foundations occupy a complex and often contradictory role. While
rooted in moral teachings that advocate for compassion, the
sanctity of life, and forgiveness, religions also have the
potential to become powerful forces for peace. Religious leaders
and organizations can champion non-violence, provide humanitarian
aid, and alleviate suffering, elevating peace as a moral
imperative. Yet paradoxically, these same traditions are
sometimes invoked to justify war—through interpretations of ‘just
war’ theories or the dehumanization of others. Religion and
ethics can act as both constraints on violence and catalysts for
conflict, depending on the context and interpretation. This
challenge is compounded by the marginalization of voices within
religious communities that advocate against war and violence,
making it urgent to amplify these perspectives and foster
cross-faith dialogue.
With a special focus on the Israel-Palestine conflict, the panel
discussion seeks to explore these pressing issues, identify
pathways for collective action, and uphold peace as a universal
value.
Brant Rosen, is a Reconstructionist rabbi,
writer, and activist based in the United States. He is the
founder and rabbi of Tzedek Chicago, a congregation grounded in
social justice and anti-Zionist principles. Rosen is a co-founder
of the Jewish Voice for Peace Rabbinical Council and the author
of Wrestling in the Daylight: A Rabbi’s Path to Palestinian
Solidarity.
Mitri Raheb, is a Palestinian Lutheran
pastor, theologian, and prominent Christian leader based in
Bethlehem. He is the founder and president of Dar al-Kalima
University and the author of numerous books on Middle Eastern
Christianity and Palestinian identity. Raheb is an advocate for
peace, justice, and cultural empowerment in the Palestinian
territories.
Mohammed Abu-Nimer, is a peacebuilding
scholar and practitioner, specializing in conflict resolution and
interfaith dialogue. He is a professor at the School of
International Service at American University in Washington, D.C.,
and Senior Advisor at the KAICIID Dialogue Centre. Abu-Nimer has
led peace and dialogue initiatives across the Middle East, South
Asia, and Africa.
Viola Raheb, scholar of religious studies
lecturer, writer and Senior Fellow at BKF
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