The role of religious leaders in the process of reconciliation in bosnia and herzegovina: The Case of Bosnian imams

This study investigates the relationship between religion and the processes of reconciliation and how religious peacemakers use religious values to promote and foster reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This thesis argues that although religion has been used for nationalist ideologies during the Bosnian war it is a positive force in Bosnia's peacebuilding and reconciliation processes today. The religious factor and religious leaders in the Bosnian context are often depicted as destructive forces and zealous nationalists who stirred violence and war. Less researchers investigated the peacemaking potential of religion and faith – based actors in post – conflict Bosnia and Herzegovina and if, usually focus on top – level religious actors or faith – based NGO leaders. In contrast to other studies, this research, inspired by Lederach's organic peacebuilding framework, defines local Muslim religious leaders, imams, as middle – range actors who have a strategic position in reconciliation processes. In particular this study in a comparative way, using official statements and in – depth interviews, illustrates the potential of local religious actors in reconciling the divided society of Bosnia. Based on nine in – depth interviews with imams from the cities of Banja Luka, Srebrenica, Bratunac, Kiseljak, Orašje and Prozor this thesis central argument is that local imams act more frequently as religious peacemakers and not religious nationalists. They recognize the importance of engagement, cooperation, relationship building, and rapprochement and act upon the improvement of economic, religious and inter – communal relations and conditions.Key words: Organic Peacebuilding Framework, religious nationalists and peacemakers, middle – range leaders, imams, reconciliation