A spirit of unity filled the Sandton Convention Centre on August 22, as faith leaders from across Africa gathered for the Africa Religious Peace Academy (ARPA), an interfaith dialogue dedicated to advancing peace through collaboration.

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The event, themed: Bridging Beliefs: Advancing Peace Through Interfaith Harmony in Africa, drew together representatives of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, and African Traditional Religions, alongside civic and community leaders.

They spoke candidly about the role of religion in healing historic wounds and shaping a more cohesive future.

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Deputy Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Namane Dickson Masemo joined the gathering, praising the role of faith-based organisations in addressing social tensions. “These dialogues are key in advancing harmony and peace in society. If we commit ourselves to peace, guided by both spiritual and democratic values, we can create societies where people live with dignity, security, and hope.”

Panel discussions and breakout sessions explored issues ranging from xenophobia and migration to the need for interfaith partnerships in responding to youth radicalisation and climate challenges.

Organisers described the event as not just symbolic but practical. Tools for scripture-based dialogue, peace education, and cross-faith partnerships were presented as models for tackling real-world conflicts.

For many participants, the gathering carried echoes of Nelson Mandela’s vision of reconciliation.

“This is about continuing the work of building a society where diversity becomes our strength, not our weakness,” Beom Jun Park, from the HWPL Southern Africa, said.

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