Making Peace in the Household of God -- SEI 2007

Note: the early bird registration deadline is March 15. Please register early using the registration form in the SEI 2007 brochure.

Conflict is not necessarily a bad thing. Yet in the churches there is a fear of conflict, and a tendency to go for peace at any price, sweeping conflict under the carpet until it cannot be contained. The 2007 Summer Ecumenical Institute aims to help church people build a vision of how conflict can become a force for good in our communities, and to equip participants with the basic skills they need to become active peace-builders in their own settings.

The theme is a timely one. Many Canadian churches are experiencing conflict, often more within than between denominations. Liberals and conservatives in many churches are in tension over issues such as human sexuality and the interpretation of scripture, and the 'heat' seems to be rising. The skills of courtesy, listening and dialogue, developed in the ecumenical movement, are today needed just as much within our churches as between them.

With God's help, conflict within the Body of Christ can be transformed into a source of life-giving energy. We will explore the biblical and theological foundations for conflict transformation, discuss current research, and provide an introduction to practical training in conflict transformation skills.

The Summer Ecumenical Institute (SEI) -- scheduled for June 26 to 29 in Saskatoon -- is sponsored by the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism.

Our keynote speakers

David Brubaker is with the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding at Eastern Mennonite University in Virginia, the largest faith-based postgraduate programme in conflict resolution in the United States. He has 20 years of experience in mediation, consulting and training in North America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe. David holds an MA in Sociology and an MBA in Global Economic Development and will receive his PhD. on the subject of religious and organizational conflict from the University of Arizona in May. He is a member of the Mennonite Church (USA).

Dale Lang, founder of the innovative Solid Rock Youth and Family Foundation, is an Anglican priest. The murder of his son Jason in the 1999 Taber school shooting sent shockwaves throughout Canada. Dale and his wife Diane once more riveted the country just days later by forgiving the perpetrator. Dale has become a nationally renowned speaker, sharing his message of forgiveness across Canada.

Topics

    Biblical foundations for peace-building
    Change and conflict in congregations: Current research
    Conflict assessment: how to diagnose the conflicts in your situation
    Responding to conflict in congregations
    Advanced skills for intervening in high intensity conflicts
    Forgiveness and Peace-building

As always, the SEI will offer inspiring worship and the chance to network with others who are committed to inter-church co-operation. The timetable provides opportunity for church leaders and ecumenical officers to meet each other and discuss common concerns, and for those involved in shared ministries to meet together.

For further information, contact the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism. Phone 306-653-1633 or email . A brochure and registration form is now available.

Technorati tags: Mots clés : 2007, sei, ecumenism, christian unity, conferences, events, peace, conflict, resolution, pce, prairie centre for ecumenism, saskatoon,
Posted: January 7, 2007 Transmis : 7 janvier 2007