The CAN peace 3 programme emerged from a development process. Through workshops and discussions, people agreed that there was evidence of sectarianism and racism in each of the 3 Council areas, including attacks on people, buildings and marking territory. These activities have not been addressed by local leaders or members of faith based organisations. 

The main concern is that many faith based organisations are reluctant to address sectarian and racist attitudes as the issue is not seen as a priority. In some places peace building was viewed as a distraction from their main purpose of preaching the Gospel.  There were also concerns that addressing these issues would risk alienating those with the most negative attitudes. Therefore sensitivity is needed in doing this work. It is difficult work because no-one likes to admit they might have sectarian attitudes. 

The purpose of the training will be to develop a team of people from faith-based organisations within the 3 Council areas who will develop skills and knowledge to advise on how to address sectarianism and racism and to train others to do the same in the long term. It was anticipated that there would be 20 such people across the cluster area who are committed to this work.