From January 25 to February 4, 2025, I had the privilege of serving as Peacemaker in Residence at Marquette University’s Center for Peacemaking in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This visit provided a unique opportunity to share insights from my work at the Centre for Interfaith Studies in Africa, engage with students and faculty, and explore the rich tradition of peacebuilding that Marquette fosters within its academic community and the city of Milwaukee.
Engaging with Students: Interfaith Studies in Practice
A significant part of my time at Marquette was spent visiting classes across various disciplines, where I spoke with students about the mission and work of the Centre for Interfaith Studies in Africa. These classroom interactions were not only opportunities to share my experiences but also to engage in meaningful discussions on interfaith dialogue, social identities, and the challenges of building trust across religious and cultural divides.
Students raised thought-provoking questions about the role of religion in conflict resolution, the intersection of faith and social justice, and the lived experiences of interfaith engagement in Africa. These discussions highlighted the increasing interest among young scholars in exploring how religious traditions can act as forces for peace rather than division.
Experiencing the Work of the Center for Peacemaking
Outside the classroom, I had the chance to observe and interact with students who were actively involved in peacebuilding initiatives through the Center for Peacemaking. Marquette’s commitment to nonviolence, conflict transformation, and community engagement was evident in the variety of projects led by both students and faculty.
I was particularly struck by the way students are empowered to apply the principles of peace and justice in practical ways—whether through grassroots initiatives, research on restorative justice, or direct service projects in Milwaukee and beyond. Their dedication reinforced the idea that peacemaking is not just an academic pursuit but a lived commitment to social transformation.
Public Lecture: “From Mistrust to Respect”
The highlight of my visit was delivering a public lecture on February 3, titled “From Mistrust to Respect: A Jesuit’s Path to Embracing the Religious Other with Care.” This lecture was an opportunity to reflect on my journey in interfaith engagement, particularly the challenges and transformative encounters that have shaped my understanding of religious pluralism, dialogue, and reconciliation.
In the lecture, I explored how mistrust between religious communities is often rooted in historical narratives, social structures, and inherited fears, and how moving toward respect requires intentional engagement, deep listening, and a commitment to recognizing the dignity of the other. Drawing from my experiences in Africa and beyond, I emphasized that interfaith dialogue is not merely about theological discussions but about fostering relationships built on trust, care, and shared humanity.
The discussion that followed was rich and deeply engaging, with audience members sharing their own perspectives on interfaith relations, the challenges of religious polarization, and the role of universities in fostering a culture of encounter and understanding.
Reflections and Takeaways
My time at Marquette reinforced several key insights:
Interfaith Dialogue is a Vital Tool for Peacebuilding – Conversations with students and faculty highlighted that religious literacy and interfaith engagement are crucial components of conflict resolution and social cohesion. Institutions like Marquette are playing an essential role in shaping future leaders who approach faith and difference with openness and critical thought.
Academic Institutions as Catalysts for Change – Universities have the potential to be laboratories for interfaith cooperation, where students are encouraged to grapple with complex social issues, engage with diverse perspectives, and apply their learning to real-world challenges.
The Power of Encounter – Whether through class discussions, informal conversations, or interactions with students involved in peacebuilding projects, this visit reaffirmed that true transformation occurs through personal relationships and direct engagement. The practice of interfaith dialogue must extend beyond theory and into the realm of lived experience.
This residency at Marquette University’s Center for Peacemaking was an enriching experience that deepened my appreciation for the global interconnectedness of peace efforts. The conversations, encounters, and reflections from this visit will undoubtedly inform and inspire the ongoing work of the Centre for Interfaith Studies in Africa as we continue seeking pathways to foster understanding, respect, and dialogue across religious and cultural divides.