The Religious Pillar takes into account the fact that Africa’s socio-economic and political plight is closely interwoven with religion. Religion can be a force for good but religious extremism can turn religion into a force for evil. Religious extremism depends on a radicalised form of religious identity and a purist interpretation of religious texts, beliefs and practices, and sectarian groups with impermeable boundaries and intolerance to religious freedom. It exists in any religion and poses a threat to Africa’s stability and is an obstacle to the continent’s transformation.

SOPHOS AFRICA will seek to contribute to the promotion of freedom of religion, the definition of the role of religion in the public space and efforts to overcome misinformation that leads to extremism and violence. It will also challenge ideas and practices that fuse religious and ethnic or national identities, which result in religious (and also political) extremism. It seeks to achieve this goal through four things.

First, SOPHOS AFRICA will engage with religious and government institutions in order to promote the role of faith in the public square and persuade relevant government offices about the importance of religious education in secondary schools and religious studies in universities.

Second, the organisation will work to promote a deeper understanding of factors and actors behind religious ideas and practices that pose threats to societal stability, peace and development.