The role Christian Councils have played in peacemaking in Kenya and South Africa: 1990--2000

This dissertation describes the role two Councils of Churches in Africa: National Council of Churches of Kenya and the South African Council of Churches played over a ten years period (1990-2000) in the first two elections after major political changes---Kenya from one party to multiparty (1992 and 1997) and South Africa from racial to multiracial (1994 and 1999) so that the democratic processes will not be jeopardized due elections related violence. Furthermore, in the case of Kenya NCCK's conflict prevention strategy to avoid relapse in the Rift valley conflict. To investigate this, I developed a frame work with three independent variables which looked into the strength and coherence of Council leadership, degree of commitment of the Council to reconciliation and peace making, and level of trust by communities and parties to the conflict. After reviewing related literature, I conducted field research in Kenya and South Africa. It became clear from the findings that fundamental Christian principles such as "blessed are peacemakers" and the philosophy of their role model Jesus Christ who discouraged and condemn violence shaped their commitment for nonviolence, while the concept of "come let us reason together" which is founded in the scripture influenced their commitment to democratic process and dialogue. Thus, both Councils developed educational materials and run program on democracy and good governance, accompanied the electorate and political parties. These educational programs enlightened and empowered the electorate to use their democratic rights to put in place a government of their choice and vote for candidates who can deliver on democratic principles and committed to serve beyond dividing lines such as ethnicity and religion. Furthermore, they created space and opportunities for opposition political parties and divided communities to openly discuss their differences, either reach a consensus or appreciate their difference, encouraged the principle of "unity in diversity." Their presence and network from national capital to remote villages enabled them to win community confidence, opposition political parties, and even lately incumbent governments. Both Councils benefited from visionary and talented leaders who consistently sent similar messages and remained focused in spite of internal and external threats. Thus the two Councils demonstrated their competence in building reconciled communities as they built bridges among divided communities and as the second elections became less violent than the first once due to their program on civic and voter educations. Since democracy is an ongoing process they have to build up on lessons learned and continue their program on good governance. Based on experienced gained from NCCK and SACC, other Councils in Africa and beyond should be encouraged to work on building bridges, reconciling communities and building democratic societies as they have resources, talents, and opportunities. However, more research is required to find out to what extent their service rendering institutions, and development and humanitarian programs contribute in triggering conflict.