12 November 2026 | Religions for Peace Europe
The Board of Religions for Peace Europe (RfP Europe) convened online on 12 November 2026, taking important decisions on the organisation’s new leadership and its future priorities for interreligious cooperation across Europe.
Following the voting process, Rkia Tiar, President of the European Women of Faith Network (EWFN), was elected President of Religions for Peace Europe. Prof. Genti Kruja was elected Secretary General, following the conclusion of his term as President of ENIB and Religions for Peace Europe.
Bishop Kari Mangrud Alvsvåg, Co-President of RfP Europe and President of the European Council of Religious Leaders (ECRL), also stood as a candidate for the Presidency. Following the elections, she warmly congratulated Rkia Tiar and Prof. Genti Kruja on their new responsibilities, reflecting the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation within the organisation. All Board members joined in congratulating the newly elected President and Secretary General and wishing them every success in their work.
The elections took place within the framework of the principle of rotating the Presidency among the organisation’s constituent bodies, marking a new stage in its institutional development.
The meeting was moderated by Dr. Lejla Hasandedic-Dapo, Co-President of RfP Europe and President of the European Interreligious Youth Network (EIYN).
In his concluding remarks as outgoing President, Prof. Kruja thanked Board members and the leaders of the European networks for their trust and cooperation throughout his mandate. He highlighted efforts to strengthen national interreligious bodies, increase the participation of women and young people, and expand partnerships with European and international institutions.
During this period, RfP Europe advanced a range of initiatives, including interfaith forums in Athens, Helsinki and Tirana, activities marking the 60th anniversary of the declaration Nostra Aetate, meetings and cooperation with the Vatican, engagement with the Council of Europe, and joint initiatives in education, interreligious dialogue and peacebuilding.
Rkia Tiar’s election also represents an important moment for women’s leadership in European interreligious cooperation. With her election and the recent election of Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Naurath as President of the European Network of Interreligious Bodies (ENIB), all four co-leading structures of RfP Europe are now represented by women. The four Co-Presidents are Rkia Tiar representing EWFN, Bishop Kari Mangrud Alvsvåg representing ECRL, Dr. Lejla Hasandedic-Dapo representing EIYN, and Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Naurath representing ENIB.
Beyond the elections, the Board discussed a review of the Statutes and Standing Rules, renewal of Board membership, preparations for the General Assembly, and the upcoming meetings in Oslo in December 2026.
Other agenda items included the European Interfaith Art and Photography Competition linked to activities at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, new European projects, international partnerships, and initiatives promoting the involvement of women and youth in peacebuilding.
The new leadership of Religions for Peace Europe aims to further strengthen the organisation’s role as a European platform for interreligious dialogue and cooperation, promoting peace, mutual understanding, freedom of religion or belief, and solidarity among religious communities.
Religions for Peace Europe is part of the global Religions for Peace movement, which brings together religious leaders and communities in a shared commitment to peace and peaceful coexistence.
