As part of a seven-day study trip titled “Religion as an Instrument of Peace in a Polarized World,” the Center for Peace in Mostar was honored today to host a distinguished group of religious leaders and peace activists from the Netherlands.
The delegation included pastors Margrietha Reinders from Amsterdam and Beppie Wessels from The Hague; Bernhard Reitsma, professor at the Theological University of Utrecht; Abdelilah El-Amrani, imam and leader of the Moroccan mosque in Amsterdam; Herman Bouma, representative of the Protestant Church in Amsterdam; Bert de Ruiter, group leader and professor of Practical and Intercultural Theology at Tyndale Theological Seminary in Badhoevedorp; Saša Nikolinović, pastor 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 work of the Center for Peace, its commitment to a culture of remembrance, multiethnic dialogue, bridge-building among communities, and the promotion of human rights and equality in a multi-religious and multicultural society.
The director of the Center for Peace and former mayor of Mostar, Mr. Safet Oručević, shared with the visitors his experiences in post-war peacebuilding, insights into the current situation in Mostar, and the challenges that lie ahead.
Adnan Hasić from Balkan, as a Soul Bridge Cooperation Circle (CC) and a representative of the United Religions Initiative (URI), also participated in the visit, emphasizing the importance of building bridges between different faiths and cultures.
One inspiring idea that emerged and received unanimous support from all participants was the proposal to establish a permanent conference in Mostar — a city seen as a symbol of multiethnicity and bridge-building. Such a conference would stand as a beacon of peace, reconciliation, and unity among people of different religions, cultures, and beliefs.
