The Spectrum of Faith in Trauma Healing in Post-Conflict Reconstruction in the Great Lakes Region

Abstract

Faith Spectrum as a construct of post-war reconstruction manifests under operational scale, liturgical praxis, and relational ethics, which, if well-structured and efficiently coordinated, lead to successful social restoration and realisation of desired peace-building goals. The objective of this study is to examine the roles and mechanisms through which the spectrum of faith, as defined in this study, represents the convergence of Biblical understanding, psychological support, and peacebuilding, and how it can be applied in post-conflict reconstruction in the Great Lakes Region. The Great Lakes region hosts a dozen distinct ethnic groups and over 250 ethnic communities. The region has experienced a myriad of conflicts that have led to the displacement of the human population. Most peacebuilding strategies applied in the region have been unsuccessful. This study, therefore, adopts an eclectic approach that integrates a spectrum of theological, psychological, diplomatic, and peacebuilding frameworks as a model for a holistic peacebuilding approach. This goal is further achieved through the theoretical frame of Restorative Justice Theory (RJT) and religious Track II diplomacy. The study adopted a qualitative-priority, mixed-methods design. This specific framework was chosen because the research objective is centred on the thematic exploration of deep-seated psychological and spiritual constructs that cannot be fully captured through numerical data alone. The study concludes that the spectrum of faith model challenges traditional peacebuilding interventions by creating holistic and comprehensive healing methodologies. The study recommends that the spectrum of faith model be adopted as part of the governance framework by conflict-prone nations in the Great Lakes region, due to its social ethics and non-violent means of reconstructing the social fabric severed by conflict. There is an urgent need for regional organisations to work in collaboration with various Non-governmental Organizations operating within the Great Lakes region to infuse a spectrum of faith into their operations and guide their participation in peace processes.