Abstract:
Since conflict is inevitable in human life, human beings need to have diverse conflict deterrence
and resolution mechanisms to attain peace. In doing so, enormous institutions have been used.
Religious institutions are among the one’s which has been widely used in this regard. The main
purpose of this study is to investigate the role of religious institutions in conflict resolution by
focusing on Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church (EOTC), with reference to the recent conflicts
within the Amhara National Regional State. The study has employed Qualitative research
approach. Data was collected with the use of Semi-structured interviews from key informants
and Focus Group Discussion. Accordingly, the role of the church in conflict resolution activities,
conflict resolution mechanisms employed, challenges the church has faced in this respect had
been assessed. The findings of the study reveal that in her long history, the church had holistic
contributions. The church had contributions in preventing and cooling down the violent conflict
situation. It had been involved in facilitating platforms for discussions and making negotiations
and reconciliations among conflicting parties. The combination of preaching, teaching, public
pray, reconciliation, facilitation, negotiation and personal conversation were mechanisms
employed by the church to the conflict resolution tasks. However, with regard to recent
phenomenon in the region, contradictory views were reflected. For some participants, the church
didn’t effectively get itself involved in settling conflicts as it was expected from her. In contrast,
other participants were argued as the church was properly involved in conflict resolution
activities through its religious mechanisms.