ABSTRACT
The tendency to bypass religion, to undervalue religious peace leadership, or to leave religious issues for last represents a non-trivial shortcoming of many track one. This chapter focuses on contested sacred sites, examining diverse views on scenarios that are commonly regarded as insolvable. Careful examination of these cases can shed light on challenges and opportunities for the cultivation of peace where religious values are at stake. Sacred sites are a fundamental component of faith practice for most, if not all, religious groups in the world. There has been a series of cases in Canada where the value of sacred sites has been recognized by state institutions. Though Cyprus remains a place of separation between Muslim and Christian populations, progress has been made in the religious track of the peace process. Turning to the Middle East, the Tomb of Samuel is an example of harmonious relations between Jewish and Muslim worshippers sharing a sacred site.
