In this lecture, Prof. Dr. Christine Schliesser (Institute of Social Ethics, Universität Zürich) will explore the complex and often ambivalent role played by religion during the Rwandan Genocide, as well as its significance in post-genocide processes of reconciliation, memory, and the pursuit of sustainable peace. Drawing on ethical, historical, and socio-political perspectives, the seminar invites critical reflection on religion both as a factor of violence and as a potential resource for healing and justice in post-conflict societies.
The conference is held within the framework of the Master’s course “Ethnic persecution and genocide in the 20th century” of the Master in World History (Humanities) at Universitat Pompeu Fabra.
About the speaker
Prof. Dr. Christine Schliesser is a Senior Lecturer in Systematic Theology and Ethics at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, and Director of Studies at the Center for Faith & Society at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland. She is also a Research Fellow in Studies of Historical Trauma and Transformation at Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
Her research focuses on the role of religion in public life, with a particular emphasis on sustainable development, peacebuilding, and reconciliation. Christine is the initiator and co-editor of the interreligious, interdisciplinary book series Religion Matters: On the Significance of Religion in Global Issues (Routledge). Her recent work includes On the Significance of Religion for the SDGs: An Introduction (Routledge, 2023), which is available here via open access.
