Berkley Center

This paper argues that local faith-based actors (FBAs) in Lebanon are in a unique position to break out of their country’s rigidly defined sectarian boundaries and espouse religious pluralism. Furthermore, I argue that the optimal way to do so is through giving humanitarian aid—both material and spiritual—to Syrian refugees, regardless of their faith.

Due to the delicate sectarian balance of peace in Lebanon, FBAs do not aid refugees outside of their specific faith group. My paper looks at why local FBAs are uniquely positioned to 1) aid Syrian refugees outside of their faith group, and 2) through this, espouse religious pluralism. In regards to #1, this is because of their ability to quickly mobilize resources, as well as help refugees psychosocially through their ability to enhance relationships between refugees and the host community. Thus, in regards to #2, this aid (and particularly the psychosocial aid) will in turn increase interreligious dialogue and erode the rigid sectarian boundaries in Lebanon.

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