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