The Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding has convened its eighth Peacemakers in Action Working Retreat at the Rose Castle Foundation in the United Kingdom, from September 18 to 24. This prestigious event brings together religiously motivated peace activists from conflict-affected regions such as Syria, El Salvador, Nigeria, and South Africa.
The week-long retreat is designed to enhance conflict transformation skills through intensive training sessions conducted by experts from organizations like Wenger-Trayner and the Mary Hoch Center for Reconciliation.
The Peacemakers in Action Network, a core initiative of Tanenbaum, is a global group of 29 religiously motivated activists who work tirelessly to defuse violent conflicts, advance education, prevent radicalization, advocate for the rights of marginalized groups, and rebuild communities devastated by war. As the Peacemakers tackle some of the world’s most dangerous and complex conflicts, the annual retreat serves as a rare opportunity for them to gather, exchange experiences, collaborate, and renew their strength.
As Peacemaker Bill Lowrey noted, “Because of the Retreats, I’m strengthened to do my work as a Peacemaker and not feel alone or isolated. The Retreats transform us through face-to-face time to understand our religious differences, gain wisdom from one another, and collaborate internationally in our work for peace. The Working Retreat is our central element for transformation.”
The Peacemakers in Action Network: A Global Multi-Faith Effort for Peace
The Peacemakers in Action Network, which Tanenbaum has been cultivating for years, brings together individuals who use their religious beliefs as a source of inspiration for peacebuilding. These activists are at the front lines of global conflicts, working to prevent violence, promote education, and advocate for marginalized communities. Their work often spans dangerous territories where religious, ethnic, or ideological tensions are at a boiling point.
From halting active armed conflicts in regions like Syria to creating alternatives to gang violence in Central America, the Peacemakers work to diffuse conflict at its roots. In countries such as Nigeria, they are actively involved in preventing radicalization and extremism, while in South Africa, they are key players in fostering reconciliation after years of division. The diverse Network enables Peacemakers to exchange successful strategies and provide each other with critical support, advice, and international collaboration.
This Network is not just about action—it’s about sustainability. By meeting at retreats such as the one hosted at Rose Castle, the Peacemakers reinforce their commitment to transforming conflict. In many instances, these gatherings are essential for providing respite and healing from the psychological toll of the work they do. As Tanenbaum’s CEO, Rev. Mark Fowler, highlighted, “The Retreat positions religion as a catalyst for advancing peace efforts in global conflicts. In a time where we see communities question the positive impacts of religion, the Peacemakers show us firsthand the unparalleled role it plays in fostering shared humanity.”
Tanenbaum’s Ongoing Work in Religious Tolerance and Harmony
Tanenbaum has long been at the forefront of promoting religious tolerance, diversity, and interreligious understanding in various sectors. Founded in 1992 by Georgette Bennett, the organization was created in memory of her late husband, Rabbi Marc H. Tanenbaum, a pioneer in interfaith dialogue. Over the years, Tanenbaum has expanded its mission to address how religious intolerance impacts not only conflict zones but also workplaces, schools, and healthcare settings.
Workplace Initiatives
Tanenbaum has provided extensive consultation services to organizations on creating inclusive policies that respect religious diversity. By offering training and policy guidance on religious accommodations, the formation of faith-based Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and setting up Quiet Rooms, Tanenbaum helps organizations create environments where employees feel supported regardless of their religious beliefs.
Their training programs address real-world challenges, such as religious attire conflicts and interfaith relations in workplaces, ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies account for religion alongside other identities. For example, the “December Dilemma” training helps companies navigate the complexities of holiday seasons to ensure that all employees, regardless of their faith, feel valued.
Education and Schools
In the education sector, Tanenbaum’s work emphasizes the importance of understanding religious diversity in curricula and policies. They provide schools with resources to prevent religious bullying and foster environments where students from different faith backgrounds can coexist and learn from one another. The goal is to equip students with the tools to engage in meaningful dialogue and appreciate the role that religion plays in shaping worldviews, ultimately preparing them to participate in a global society.
Healthcare Settings
In healthcare, respecting religious beliefs is critical to providing holistic care. Tanenbaum’s resources help healthcare professionals navigate religious considerations, whether it’s dietary restrictions, prayer requirements, or understanding religious attitudes towards medical treatments. By fostering religious sensitivity, healthcare institutions can build stronger relationships with patients and improve overall outcomes.
The Peacemakers Retreat at Rose Castle: A Unique Opportunity for Growth
The Rose Castle Foundation, located in the serene countryside of Cumbria, UK, is a perfect setting for the 2024 Peacemakers in Action Working Retreat. The castle has long been a hub for interfaith dialogue and reconciliation efforts. For the Peacemakers, the retreat is more than a training event—it’s a space for personal and professional renewal.
Participants will engage in rigorous conflict transformation workshops, exploring new strategies for peacebuilding that they can implement in their home countries. Trainers from Wenger-Trayner, experts in social learning, and the Mary Hoch Center for Reconciliation, renowned for their conflict resolution expertise, will lead the sessions. The combination of formal training and informal, peer-to-peer learning allows Peacemakers to address both the technical and emotional aspects of their work.
The retreat also facilitates deep personal connections among participants. As Peacemakers who work in some of the most challenging environments globally, having the opportunity to meet in person is invaluable. These interactions foster mutual understanding across religious divides, as participants learn about one another’s traditions and approaches to peacebuilding. This kind of collaboration and mutual support strengthens their collective capacity to address conflict on a global scale.
The 2024 Peacemakers in Action Working Retreat at Rose Castle represents a critical moment in Tanenbaum’s ongoing efforts to promote religious tolerance and harmony. By bringing together Peacemakers from across the globe, the retreat not only enhances their skills in conflict transformation but also underscores the vital role that religion can play in peace efforts. Through its wide range of programs—from workplace consultations to healthcare training—Tanenbaum remains dedicated to fostering understanding, mutual respect, and peace across all sectors of society.
As the world faces increasingly complex conflicts, the work of organizations like Tanenbaum, and the dedication of its Peacemakers, will continue to be essential in building a more peaceful and harmonious world.
