Spiritual Empowerment of Peace Builders

Manipur is a small state situated in the northeast of India, bordering Myanmar (Burma). The present everyday situation is marked by constant violent conflicts between different ethnic groups. In this scenario of crime and violence, the local Church in Manipur has the imperative task of building peace and fostering social harmony. Such engagement would ascertain the authenticity of the Church in carrying out its mission of “proclaiming the gospel of peace” (EG 239). This study will present technical skills and knowledge in peacebuilding based on peace concepts of the Catholic Church, with due reference to the conceptual and practical frameworks of John Paul Lederach. Since, the acquisition of technical skills and knowledge do not automatically guarantee the ability to apply them to practical violent situations, the emphasis of the research is on the spiritual Empowerment of Peacebuilders.