Switzerland - The Graduate Institute, Geneva

COVENTRY CATHEDRAL, INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR
RECONCILIATION (ICR)
Address
Coventry Cathedral and Diocesan Offices, 1 Hill Top,
Coventry, CV1 5AB, United Kingdom
Phone 024 7652 1200
Fax 024 7652 1220
Web http://www.coventrycathedral.org.uk/bkground.html
E-Mail information@coventrycathedral.org.uk
Category Dialogue
MISSION STATEMENT
The International Centre for Reconciliation (ICR) at Coventry Cathedral is one of the world's oldest religious-based centers for
reconciliation. It was established following the destruction of Coventry Cathedral in 1940, after which the provost made a
commitment not to revenge, but to reconciliation with Britain's enemies. Since then, ICR's work for peace has expanded into some
of the world's worst areas of conflict. Much of the Centre's early work was in the former Communist bloc, broadening to focus on
conflicts involving the three major monotheistic faiths. Today, ICR is committed to reconciliation in various situations of violent
conflict, some related to religious dispute and others fuelled by different factors. In addition to its short-term reconciliation work,
ICR coordinates the Community of the Cross of Nails, an international network of over 150 organizations in 60 countries committed
to reconciliation, which also provides ICR with a practical and spiritual support base. ICR is the principal organization for the Diocese
of Coventry's international work, including its formal partnerships with the Anglican Diocese of Kaduna (northern Nigeria) and the
Syrian Orthodox Diocese of Jerusalem.
Founding year 1940.
BACKGROUND AND ACTIVITIES
In order to realize its vision, the ICR bases each project on the '6 Rs':
� Research: Office-based reviews of articles, reports, bulletins and other background information and field-based interviews
with all parties to a conflict, as well as relevant sources of authority.
� Relationships: Establishment of working relationships with wide range of stakeholders and identification of local partners.
� Relief: Although this is a small part of ICR's budget, it covers situations of great financial need where ICR staff are working.
� Risk-Taking: Risk to the safety of staff working in conflict areas and r isk of committing to a process of reconciliation, which,
if not timed well, could lead to a deterioration of a conflict situation.
� Reconciliation: Refers to the difficult process of transforming a violent conflict into a non-violent one.
� Resourcing: Enabling local people to continue and develop the work of reconciliation after ICR has finished a practical
programme of work.
Examples of projects:
- Establishing the Iraqi Institute for Peace, a body committed to dialogue and peace in Iraq, in 2004.
- Brokering the Baghdad Religious Accord in February 2004.
- Brokering the Kaduna Peace Declaration of Religious Leaders in Nigeria in August 2002.
Projects take place in Africa (Nigeria and Burundi) as well as in the Middle East. The Middle East work is now being undertaken by its
sister organization, the Foundation for Reconciliation in the Middle East (FRME).