A colloquium to help support the work of the Countering Violent Extremism’s forthcoming Faith and Diplomacy Task Force was held on November 3, 2008, in Charleston, South Carolina. The Task Force is being commissioned to work to secure not only the political will but also the spiritual will to overcome the divisions that all too often lead to violence.

The interfaith participants at this colloquium—one of several being held in the United States—were asked about their roles as social engineers of peace, security, and prosperity. The agenda of the meeting focused on different perceptions of violent extremism and how people of faith and governments can collectively act to promote safety and diversity for local communities. The colloquium was held at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke and St. Paul. The EastWest Institute would like to thank our hosts—the Cathedral Church and Catherine Murray Smith and Hilton Smith.