Group of Religious Leaders and Peace Activists from the Netherlands Visit the Center for Peace

Mostar - As part of a seven-day study trip titled "Religion as an Instrument of Peace in a Polarized World," the Center for Peace today welcomed a group of religious leaders and peace activists from the Netherlands.

The delegation included Pastor Margrietha Reinders from Amsterdam, Pastor Beppie Wessels from The Hague, Professor Bernhard Reitsma from the Theological University of Utrecht, Imam Abdelilah El-Amrani, leader of the Moroccan mosque in Amsterdam, Herman Bouma, representative of the Protestant Church in Amsterdam, group leader Bert de Ruiter, Professor of Practical and Intercultural Theology at Tyndale Theological Seminary in Badhoevedorp, Pastor Saša Nikolinović of the Evangelical Church in Sarajevo, Dr. Aid Smajić, Professor at the Faculty of Islamic Studies in Sarajevo, and Kenan ef. Ovčina, Professor of Islamic Theology in Mostar.

During their visit, the guests learned about the Center’s activities, including its work in memory culture, promoting multiethnic dialogue, building bridges between people, and advocating for human rights and equality in a multireligious and multicultural society.

The Director of the Center for Peace and former Mayor of Mostar, Safet Oručević, shared his personal experiences in post-war peacebuilding, providing insights into the current situation in Mostar and the challenges that lie ahead.

One of the key ideas embraced by all participants was that Mostar, as a symbol of multiethnicity and bridge-building among people, deserves to host a permanent conference dedicated to peace, reconciliation, and fostering connections among people of different religions, cultures, and beliefs.