Peace is something we all long for in our lives and communities, but it doesn’t always come easily. No matter the circumstances we find ourselves in, we can be those who pursue peace. We can be the peacemakers in our families, neighborhoods, churches, and communities. In a time of deep divisions, here are five resources to help you practice peacemaking.
Radical Imagination: Keeping the Peace
Join the Radical Imagination panel for a virtual conversation about what peace is and how we can advocate for it. Together, we will contemplate expressions of peace within our current socio-politico-cultural landscape.
Let’s consider what it means for faith to lead with peace, equitable mutuality, and authentic justice for flourishing communities.
Embracing The Principles And Practices Of Peacemaking
Our communities are full of seemingly intractable conflict and systemic injustice, opening opportunities for Christians to live as peacemakers seeking justice and repair. The Principles and Practices of Peacemaking equip us to do so. They are a set of commitments and tools that enable our inner transformation while equipping us for the external work of justice in a world desperate for shalom. This workshop introduces the peacemaking basics and teach two skills for immediate use in congregations and communities.
Reimagining Shalom: Peaceful Practices To Move Beyond Divided Politics
Can the Church withstand the divides of the current social context? In a world and Church increasingly polarized, skills of conflict transformation and healthy dialogue are fundamental tools for living out a theology of peacemaking and reconciliation. The Church is called to creatively reimagine Shalom community by moving beyond political divides. In this workshop, you will learn “peaceful practices” – skills for addressing divides present in their congregations and communities – as you imagine how to return hope to a splintered church.
Embrace Restoration: Restorative Justice As A Philosophy And Practice Of Peacemaking
Restorative Justice is an ancient philosophy that offers both a viable alternative to the retributive-oriented US justice system. It offers a way of life built upon peacemaking and shalom that extends well beyond criminal justice to build stronger families, schools, and neighborhoods. In this workshop, Dr. Bryson Davis reviews the history and philosophy of restorative justice, along with current application and trends. Dr. Davis also offers practical tools for advocating and pursuing restoration in your community.
Restorative Practices: Fostering Wellbeing Of Self, Relationships, & Community
Restorative Practices (RP) is a social science that studies how to strengthen relationships between individuals and social connections within communities. Derived from indigenous cultures, RP promotes peacemaking and reconciliation, provides equality and safety, and builds trust amongst participants, which can be used to address racial equity and justice. This workshop gives participants the opportunity to practice restorative language and process situations through a restorative lens. Marie Moy shares a wholistic approach of fostering wellbeing of self, relationships, and communities, including churches, schools, and workplaces.
