The Peacemakers in Action Network is supported by the Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding, a US-based organisation working to combat religious prejudice, confront hate, and build respect for religious difference. We would like to thank Tanenbaum for bringing the Peacemakers to Rose Castle for their working retreat.  

Rose Castle Foundation was delighted to host the ‘Peacemakers in Action’ Network Working Retreat in partnership with the Tanenbaum Centre for Interreligious Understanding this September. The Peacemakers are a diverse group of religiously motivated individuals from countries including Nigeria, South Africa, El Salvador, Iraq, South Sudan, Bosnia, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The Peacemakers carry out their efforts on the frontlines of conflict as well as in post-conflict zones, bringing together the most divided communities through their hope for a better future, often at deep personal risk. 

Through seven days of rich conversation, prayer, laughter, walks and deep reflection, the Peacemakers were able to share strategies, build relationships and collaborate on new approaches to peacebuilding in some of the world’s most challenging contexts. By sharing tools and best practice in one context, others were able to reflect on new approaches in their own conflicts. Each Peacemaker’s story, dedication and work were a true inspiration, and we are pleased that the time they spent at Rose Castle gave them the opportunity for much-needed rest and reflection.  

We would like to give our thanks to both the Peacemakers and Tanenbaum for trusting out team with such delicate and necessary work. Seeing firsthand the courage and commitment of the Peacemakers was an honour and is sure to leave a lasting impact on our team here at Rose Castle Foundation.   

The programme was generously supported by the Wayfarer Foundation, a grant-making organisation that partners with spiritually or religiously motivated and justice-oriented nonprofits to co-create peace and unity in the world.  

Our hosting of this retreat was also made possible by our local volunteers who aided in note taking, setting up sessions and taking photos. They were also able to get to know the peacemakers, fostering global relationships and gaining valuable insight into sustainable conflict transformation. Our volunteers feel very grateful to have been a part of the experience, and we hope that it will stay with them for years to come. 

We were thrilled to open the doors of Rose Castle to Cumbrian faith leaders, dignitaries, teachers, supporters, and those committed to interfaith work, for a shared afternoon tea with the Peacemakers. It was a joy to watch relationships flourish across religious, cultural and national divides.  

We are excited to see what the future holds for our working relationship with Tanenbaum. You can read more about the individual peacemakers here.  

For those that prefer audio, try the Peacemakers in Action podcast.

Elements of the working retreat are captured in Sunday Worship on BBC Radio 4.