Berkley Center

This case study examines the ultimately unsuccessful attempt of Liberian religious leaders to intervene in their country’s First Civil War (1989-1996) between the government and the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) with the goal of establishing peace. The core text of the case study explores four essential questions: What are the causes of conflict in Liberia? How did domestic religious leaders promote peace? How important were international religious and political forces? What factors explain the failure of religioninspired peacebuilding? Complementing the core text are a timeline of key events, a guide to relevant religious organizations, and a helpful list of further readings.