About the book
In this groundbreaking study of post-conflict Sierra Leone, Lyn Graybill examines the ways in which both religion and local tradition supported restorative justice initiatives such as the national Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and village-level Fambul Tok ceremonies.
Through her interviews with Christian and Muslim leaders of the Inter-Religious Council, Graybill uncovers a rich trove of perspectives about the meaning of reconciliation, the role of acknowledgment, and the significance of forgiveness. Through an abundance of polling data and her review of traditional practices among the various ethnic groups, Graybill also shows that these perspectives of religious leaders did not at all conflict with the opinions of the local population, whose preferences for restorative justice over retributive justice were compatible with traditional values that prioritized reconciliation over punishment.
These local sentiments, however, were at odds with the international community's preference for retributive justice, as embodied in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, which ran concurrently with the TRC. Graybill warns that with the dominance of the International Criminal Court in Africa—there are currently eighteen pending cases in eight countries—local preferences may continue to be sidelined in favor of prosecutions. She argues that the international community is risking the loss of its most valuable assets in post-conflict peacebuilding by pushing aside religious and traditional values of reconciliation in favor of Western legal norms.
Editions of Religion, Tradition, and Restorative Justice in Sierra Leone
- Hardcover
- ISBN 2016058507
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780268101893
- Hardcover
- ISBN 2017005371
- EBook
- ISBN 9780268101909
- EBook
- ISBN 9780268101916
Read an Excerpt
In this groundbreaking study of post-conflict Sierra Leone, Lyn Graybill examines the ways in which both religion and local tradition supported restorative justice initiatives such as the national Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and village-level Fambul Tok ceremonies.
Through her interviews with Christian and Muslim leaders of the Inter-Religious Council, Graybill uncovers a rich trove of perspectives about the meaning of reconciliation, the role of acknowledgment, and the significance of forgiveness. Through an abundance of polling data and her review of traditional practices among the various ethnic groups, Graybill also shows that these perspectives of religious leaders did not at all conflict with the opinions of the local population, whose preferences for restorative justice over retributive justice were compatible with traditional values that prioritized reconciliation over punishment.
These local sentiments, however, were at odds with the international community's preference for retributive justice, as embodied in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, which ran concurrently with the TRC. Graybill warns that with the dominance of the International Criminal Court in Africa—there are currently eighteen pending cases in eight countries—local preferences may continue to be sidelined in favor of prosecutions. She argues that the international community is risking the loss of its most valuable assets in post-conflict peacebuilding by pushing aside religious and traditional values of reconciliation in favor of Western legal norms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Religion, Tradition, and Restorative Justice in Sierra Leone about?
In this groundbreaking study of post-conflict Sierra Leone, Lyn Graybill examines the ways in which both religion and local tradition supported restorative justice initiatives such as the national Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and village-level Fambul Tok ceremonies.
Through her interviews with Christian and Muslim leaders of the Inter-Religious Council, Graybill uncovers a rich trove of perspectives about the meaning of reconciliation, the role of acknowledgment, and the significance of forgiveness. Through an abundance of polling data and her review of traditional practices among the various ethnic groups, Graybill also shows that these perspectives of religious leaders did not at all conflict with the opinions of the local population, whose preferences for restorative justice over retributive justice were compatible with traditional values that prioritized reconciliation over punishment.
These local sentiments, however, were at odds with the international community's preference for retributive justice, as embodied in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, which ran concurrently with the TRC. Graybill warns that with the dominance of the International Criminal Court in Africa—there are currently eighteen pending cases in eight countries—local preferences may continue to be sidelined in favor of prosecutions. She argues that the international community is risking the loss of its most valuable assets in post-conflict peacebuilding by pushing aside religious and traditional values of reconciliation in favor of Western legal norms.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Religion, Tradition, and Restorative Justice in Sierra Leone?
Society and Social Sciences > Society and culture: general > Social groups, communities and identities > Social groups: religious groups and communities
Where can I read a sample of Religion, Tradition, and Restorative Justice in Sierra Leone?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/2016058507
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Religion, Tradition, and Restorative Justice in Sierra Leone?
Lyn S. Graybill
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Religion, Tradition, and Restorative Justice in Sierra Leone is available as hardcover(ISBN 2016058507) and hardcover(ISBN 9780268101893) and hardcover(ISBN 2017005371) and ebook(ISBN 9780268101909) and ebook(ISBN 9780268101916)
Where can I buy Religion, Tradition, and Restorative Justice in Sierra Leone online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Religion, Tradition, and Restorative Justice in Sierra Leone from below
Where can I buy Religion, Tradition, and Restorative Justice in Sierra Leone?