Moral Foundations for Peacebuilding Dialogue: A Comparative Analysis of Orthodoxy and Islam

Throughout history, religion has been invoked in both peaceful and violent contexts, often manipulated to serve political agendas. However, beneath the surface of conflict, the foundational moral teachings of religions can provide powerful tools for reconciliation. This paper explores the shared moral principles in Orthodox Christianity and Islam, focusing on benevolence, equity, and moderation, to highlight their potential for fostering dialogue and resolving conflicts. By comparing the ethical teachings of the Bible and the Quran, the analysis reveals that both religions emphasize compassion, fairness, and self-restraint as core values. Despite the historical use of these faiths to justify division and violence, a closer examination of their teachings—interpreted by leading theologians—demonstrates a shared commitment to moral principles that can bridge religious divides. This paper argues that recognizing these common values is crucial for utilizing religious teachings not as sources of conflict, but as foundations for peacebuilding. The analysis presents a comparative analysis of these moral values within Orthodox Christianity and Islam, examining their manifestations and their relevance in contemporary conflict resolution. In a world increasingly shaped by religious and cultural differences, these shared moral values offer a framework for dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious coexistence. Keywords: Orthodox Christianity, Islam, moral values, peacebuilding dialogue.