Inter faith mediation is a process in which leaders or members of a religious community come together to mutually resolve disputes and other issues arising in or in the context of spiritual or religious groups. This can include disagreements within the community, within a family or with an outside organisation. Having an innate understanding of the community and the cultural aspects of these matters is crucial to understand the wider issues involved.
It is becoming more common place for modern approaches to encroach on traditional and religious values within communities and within families. As the modern world touches traditional values and new generations rely on modern approaches, it is not surprising that conflict can arise within a community or a family. Disputes over legal points need to be resolved but with an innate understanding of the cultural traditions and values that run alongside the legal dispute.
Inter faith disputes frequently interlink with inter generational disputes and family succession disputes, whether that be inter vivos family business succession or contested probate once a family member has died. It is crucial for a mediator to understand the background, the culture, the traditions and the values adopted by all parties involved in the dispute to be able to assist in facilitating a resolution.
MEDIATION CAN BRING HARMONY TO A COMMUNITY OR A FAMILY WHOSE TRADITIONS AND VALUES ARE DRIVEN BY FAITH
Why is mediation a suitable form of dispute resolution?
Such cases involve costly and extremely hostile and difficult litigation in a court system that is not designed to understand the detail of the cultures or traditions that underpin the issues between the parties. Such disputes also go against the peace and tranquility that comes with the faith which all parties have. Mediation allows all parties to share their thoughts, perspectives and concerns about both the dispute and the wider matters concerning traditions and values.
Mediation brings flexibility, opportunity and hope for all parties involved to come to a mutually agreed solution to the issue without incurring significant cost and driving families or communities further apart.
Mediation provides a private space in a confidential environment to discuss all matters important to the parties, allowing parties to be creative in a private forum and come to a resolution to restore peace.
With over a decade of experience, Concentus has dealt with many inter faith disputes in many religions. Samantha Lowe has mediated within organisations regarding their leadership and issues regarding the continued running of religious communities based on evolving societies. Samantha Lowe has also mediated within families where the younger generations are relying on western and modern approaches and the elder generations seek to emphasise their historic traditions and values when dealing with the dispute.
Sam has been praised on her approach to these disputes, her innate understanding and ability to learn about cultures, traditions and values that may be driving the dispute or emotions behind it, is second to none. Sam has a real interest and passion in dealing with inter faith disputes and has been described in these cases as "capable of quickly understanding the issues and complex organisational context behind it." "She carefully created in a single day, the right environment in which a twenty year dispute was finally brought to a satisfactory conclusion".
