The Clough Center for the Study of Constitutional Democracy recently hosted the screening of two documentaries, Religion and Reconciliation in Bosnia-Herzegovina & the Balkans and The Russia-Ukraine Conflict & the Role of the Orthodox Church, produced by Reset Dialogues on Civilizations and the Templeton Religion Trust. These films, directed by Filippo Macelloni, delve into the profound role of religion in reconciliation and peacebuilding within regions torn by conflict.

Dr. Jonathan Laurence, Director of the Clough Center, opened the event with a speech on the films’ origins. He shared that the project stemmed from the international conference, Getting to Reconciliation: A Comparative Perspective, held in Sarajevo in September 2022, co-organized by Reset Dialogues and the Faculty of Islamic Studies at the University of Sarajevo. Before the screenings, Director Macelloni offered his perspective on the creative process behind the films, which aim to examine how religious institutions might influence reconciliation.

Following the screenings, a panel discussion featured Macelloni, Professor José Casanova, a leading scholar in the sociology of religion, and Elizabeth Prodromou, Visiting Professor in the International Studies Program at Boston College. Casanova discussed the schism between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, exploring how this division influences the broader conflict and opportunities for reconciliation. Prodromou emphasized the critical intersection of religion and politics, particularly relevant in the run-up to the U.S. presidential election and ongoing tensions in Europe. She highlighted the essential role of religious voices and leaders who, despite religion’s potential to fuel conflict, can champion sustainable peace and reconciliation.

The event concluded with a Q&A session, where the audience engaged the panelists with questions on the church’s historical divisions, tragic legacies of war, and reflections on Europe’s political landscape. Macelloni also touched on the unique role of cinema in fostering dialogue and reconciliation, sharing his hope that younger audiences will be inspired by the films’ messages.

This event underscored the powerful role of religion, leadership, and the arts in fostering peace, inspiring reflection on both historic divisions and the potential paths to reconciliation.