Paniza 1

Dean Paniza
John Kubler
English 115
03 September 2014
Faith and Diplomacy Summary
Madeleine Albright, the first woman to serve as U.S. secretary of state insists
in her work entitled Faith and Diplomacy, that religions influence on world events
is inherent and persistent.and we must keep in mind that religion often plays a
much more central role in the affairs of nation (1). To prove the powerful influence
of religion all around us, Albright offers three anecdotes. First, she unfolds Pope
John Paul IIs huge contribution of constructing a bridge that would ultimately
restore the connection between Europes East and West which was made possible
through his wise words and encouragement (3). Due to his visits and influence,
unity was restored between the Polish and people drew strength from one another.
On the other hand, another story from Bob Seiple, the first American ambassador
who served with Madeleine Albright in the State Department, reveals the power of
overcoming hate through religion. The story concerns Mary, a Lebanese woman who
lived in a mostly Christian village and became a victim of the invasion of Muslim
militia. Mary was asked to turn her back on her religion while a gun was pointed on
the side of her head; without hesitation, she chose to take the bullet, paralyzing her
and was left to die. The following day, however, the returning militia found her and
carried her out. When Seiple asked her how she feels towards the man who pulled
the trigger, Mary said she has forgiven him. Seiple believes that Marys faith

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demonstrates how religion at its best teaches forgiveness and reconciliation, not
only when those acts are relatively easy but when they are almost unbelievably
difficult (4). In the last story, Albright concludes: we share a kinship with one
another, however distant it may sometimes seem; we are all created in the image of
God (6). Albright came up with this conclusion because of what she witness in the
town of Gulu, a remote part of Uganda where villagers who were terrorized by
outlaw militia groups are taking refuge and recovering. Even though the patients
were suffering, volunteers gave them hope, brought joy, and made their life feel
normal again.
Another argument Albright is trying to make is: American policy-makers
must learn as much as possible about religion, and then incorporate that knowledge
in their strategies (6). She believes that to have an effective foreign policy, we must
understand why others act the way they do. She also wants us to function like
numerous faith-based organizations that work cooperatively and find areas in
which to specialize in. This way, we will have more resources, skilled personnel,
dedication and success and be able to live in some degree of harmony.