Lou Nanni
Vice President for University Relations,
University of Notre Dame
Kroc Institute M.A. Class of ’88

It was with enormous pride that I sat in and observed the “Religion in African Conflicts and Peacebuilding Initiatives” conference sponsored by the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies. Instead of hosting such an event within the comfort of our own campus, Kroc leaders chose to “go to the people,” where daily struggles for peace are real and ongoing. The conference brought together a wonderful mix of Africans, Europeans and Americans; of academics and practitioners. The dialogue was rich in diversity, yet unified by a culture of respect. Notre Dame’s founder, Fr. Edward Sorin, C.S.C., envisioned not only an outstanding university but also one of the greatest forces for good in society. Both dimensions of Sorin’s vision are being advanced through the Kroc Institute. Scott Appleby and his team of faculty leaders are taking Notre Dame to places we have never been and desperately need to be, all for the cause of building a more just and peaceful world. Perhaps no university is better suited to address issues of religious conflict, which are preeminent in our world today.

My eyes were opened on this visit to Islam. Today there are 1.5 billion Christians and 1.2 billion Muslims (by far the two largest world religions). We need to seek understanding, to engage one another in dialogue and to assure that the voices of peace overshadow the cries for militancy. Kroc is positioning Notre Dame to play a significant role in advancing religious understanding and promoting peace in Africa and the world throughout. Father Sorin would be proud.

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