Leaders unite for peace and reconciliation

Forty prominent religious leaders, peace experts, and faith actors gathered at Wilton Park in February 2025 to engage in a crucial discussion on the role of religious leaders during times of war, atrocities, and societal polarisation. The gathering, shaped by the ongoing conflicts such as the Israel-Hamas war and the war in Ukraine, was co-hosted by the UK government, through the British Embassy to the Holy See, and Globethics, alongside partners such as the University of Sussex’s Religion and Foreign Policy Initiative and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

The discussions were wide-ranging, focusing on the limitations of faith actors in promoting peace, their failure to consistently speak out, and, in some instances, their complicity in wartime violence. However, the conference also highlighted the courageous actions of some religious leaders, who have crossed borders and spoken against the violence, emphasising solidarity and shared human dignity.

A major point of consensus was that religious leaders must take a more active role in peacebuilding, healing, and reconciliation. They are uniquely positioned to contribute in ways that governments cannot, with their ability to offer forgiveness and promote deep, lasting healing in divided communities. The meeting also expressed deep concern about the violations of international humanitarian law, human rights abuses, and the perceived double standards in the global response to different conflicts.

At the heart of the gathering was a joint summary statement, which encapsulates the urgent call for religious leaders to reset, reframe, and rediscover their essential role in times of war, atrocities, and polarisation. The statement outlines concrete steps that religious leaders must take to foster peace, from publicly affirming the sanctity of all lives, regardless of background, to denouncing hate speech and political manipulation in the name of religion.

This critical dialogue underscores the need for interfaith collaboration, a more action-oriented interreligious dialogue, and a renewed focus on the shared values of human dignity and compassion.

For a detailed understanding of the comprehensive actions and commitments, read the full joint summary statement here.

Read Wilton Park's blog on the dialogue.