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This study attempts to establish the basis for a theoretical framework aimed at encouraging the practice of peacebuilding in the multiethnic 21 st century city. My particular focus is the role of the Christian church but with appropriate extrapolation to faith-based and other organizations. I establish the need for appropriate processes of socialization of the children and youth in the long-term establishment of a culture of peace in an urban community. Using field and theoretical studies, I propose the development of models of interethnic peacebuilding that takes into consideration current and historical urban, socio-political and economic realities. This is grounded on the need for proactive long-term engagements in peace efforts. It includes identifying and strengthening values, instruments, and processes that nurture and sustain peace in a society. This dissertation explores interethnic peacebuilding in the 21 st century city of Los Angeles. It also examines the role of the church in inculcating a culture of peace among the city's ethnic communities. The 21st century is set to be the century of the establishment of the global city. Monumental acceleration in the growth of the world population living in urban areas occasioned by sustained changes brought about by four overarching developments: industrialization, technological advancements, globalization and immigration, making the world smaller and more interconnected. This phenomenon, that has transformed many metropolises into major catch basins of the world's diverse ethnic populations, is also accompanied by daunting challenges in human relations. In most cities of the world, numerous ethnic groups--some unfamiliar with each other and others with historical antagonisms--are being brought together through increased immigration and migration to live side-by-side in smaller spaces with increased contacts. As a result, there has been a marked increase in interethnic and civil tensions. This escalation has been in the last quarter century, especially after the Cold War. This is projected to continue as nationalistic and ethno-religious identifications become important defining markers in a close-knit diverse world. In addition, urban realities like transitioning neighborhoods and several social ills including poverty, uneven wealth distribution, historical racial hatreds continue to contribute to a resurgence of a culture of violence expressed through interethnic hatreds, gangs, turf wars, riots, and other types of violence. This is evident from violent altercations in some key cities including Paris, London, Los Angeles, Kaduna, and Sydney among others. These trends call for collaborative efforts to develop new models for peaceful coexistence among groups in these ever-growing cosmopolitan areas. Religious beliefs continue to be a strong force towards peace in some contexts, and an incentive for conflicts in others. Although religion may be a cause (or an excuse) for some of the conflicts (for example Kaduna, Nigeria), the possibilities of peace through religion have not been fully explored. It is the contention of this study that the church has not adequately embraced its mission for peace, especially in the city.
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