Faith Leaders in Peace Action

From September 11, 2019, to June 10, 2020, the Masjid Council for Community Advancement (MACCA), in partnership with USAID’s Obirodh: Road to Tolerance Program, spearheaded a transformative initiative to empower faith leaders as advocates of peace and social cohesion in Bangladesh. Targeting 40 faith leaders and influencers, this project addressed the critical absence of leadership on tolerance and acceptance, equipping participants to counter violent extremism and rebuild trust within divided communities.

Key Activities

• Conducted two specialized orientations to enhance faith leaders’ skills in conflict mediation, bridge-building, and countering extremist narratives.
• Produced 3 short advocacy videos featuring peace messages from prominent faith leaders, reviewed for inclusivity by 10 interfaith scholars to ensure cross-community resonance.
• Disseminated finalized videos through digital media platforms, online TV channels, and social networks, reaching over 500,000 viewers nationwide.

Impact

By mobilizing faith leaders as voices of unity, MACCA transformed religious platforms into spaces for dialogue and reconciliation. The videos, aired during key community events, amplified calls for harmony and encouraged grassroots resistance to divisive ideologies. Post-project surveys revealed 90% of participants felt empowered to mediate local disputes effectively.

“When faith leaders unite, their collective voice becomes a shield against hatred.”
– MACCA Project Coordinator

Collaborate with Us

To support or replicate this initiative, contact MACCA at +8801733-067253.