Christianity, the Churches, and the pursuit of justice, peace, and reconciliation, grappling with questions such as: the irony that the countries with the highest percentages of Christians in their populations are also some of the most turbulent.[1] Emmanuel Katongole questions,

“What accounts for the dismal social impact of Christianity in Africa? Why has Christianity, despite its overwhelming presence, failed to make a significant dent in the social history of the continent?”

[2] What are the merits and demerits of justice and peace-building initiatives by Churches and Christian organizations in Africa? What is the place of justice, forgiveness, and reconciliation?

Religious, Cultural and Athropology Studies, on subtopics such as: violence, justice, and peace, from perspectives of African traditional beliefs and practices, Islam, and Christianity; Violence and religious intolerance and extremism; roots and shoots of violence; inter-religious rivalry, justice, violence, and prospects for peace-full co-existence; the role of African cultural systems (epistemological and ethical) and leaders in the pursuit of justice and peace in Africa; Violence, Trauma, and Healing in African Societies; Domestic and Gender-based violence; Youth and Gang violence, support for victims and refugees

Perspectives from the social sciences and humanities, on subtopics such as: complexity of identity and violence, including consideration of state-sponsored violence, ethnic violence, religious violence, and other forms of violence; Development Studies, and Psychology and Mental Health (such as community trauma and healing); Globalization, Neo-Colonialism, and Africa’s Response to Violence; coloration between poverty, plunder, injustice, and natural resources;

Cross-cutting inter-disciplinary perspectives, such as:  the interplay of Glory, Violence, and Identity in African struggles for liberation; Human Rights, Justice, and Reconciliation in Africa; African Social Movements and the Struggle for Peace and Unity; Cultural Narratives and Peace in Post-Conflict African Societies; Peace and Development: Examining African Post-Conflict Reconstruction; The African Diaspora and the Gospel of Peace; Politics of Glory: Nationalism, Ethnic Conflict, and the Gospel of Peace; Youth, Violence, and the Pursuit of Glory in African Societies;