Reconcile: Conflict Transformation for Ordinary Christians

By John Paul Lederach

“Emotionally powerful and full of practical advice and resources.”

—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Reconcile: Conflict Transformation for Ordinary Christians,by international mediator John Paul Lederach serves as a guidebook for Christians seeking a scriptural view of reconciliation and practical steps for transforming conflict.

Originally published as The Journey Toward Reconciliation and based on Lederach’s work in war zones on five continents, this revised and updated book tells dramatic stories of what works—and what doesn’t—in entrenched conflicts between individuals and groups. Lederach leads readers through stories of conflict and reconciliation in Scripture, using these stories as anchors for peacemaking strategies that Christians can put into practice in families and churches.

Lederach, who has written twenty-two books and whose work has been translated into more than twelve languages, also offers new lenses through which to view conflict, whether congregational conflicts or global terrorism. A new section of resources, created by mediation professionals, professors, and pastors, offers tools for understanding interpersonal, church, and global conflict, worship resources, books and websites for further study, and invitations to action in everyday life.

Free downloadable study guide available here.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Herald Press
• Release date: Aug 11, 2014
• ISBN: 9780836199345

John Paul Lederach

John Paul Lederach has worked in international reconciliation for more than thirty years. He has developed training in conflict transformation and provided direct mediation and support services for reconciliation efforts in some of the most violently conflicted regions across five continents. Lederach has consulted with the highest-level government officials and national opposition movements in war-torn settings like Nicaragua, Somalia, Northern Ireland, Colombia, Nepal, and the Philippines. As professor of international peacebuilding and director of the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame, Lederach is the founding director of the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding at Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Virginia. He is the author of twenty-two books and manuals and numerous academic articles and monographs on peace education, conflict transformation, and mediation training. Lederach's books have been translated into more than a dozen languages, and he is in international demand as a lecturer, consultant, and mediation trainer.

Book preview

reconcile

John Paul Lederach calls each of us to peacemaking that is active, practical, and redemptive. He effectively demonstrates that reconciliation is not passive or optional in the life of believers.

—Dale Hanson Bourke, author of The Israeli‐Palestinian Conflict

A profoundly moving and inspiring book! John Paul Lederach’s call to dream boldly and to act with enthusiastic pragmatism merits being taken seriously by pastors, students, and practitioners in the field.

—Piet Meiring, former member of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission

As more Christians become aware and engaged in global conflicts, it becomes easy to choose sides. This timely book by Lederach reminds us that our call is to transcend conflict and bring transformation and reconciliation to all those involved.

—Sami Awad, founder and executive director, Holy Land Trust

Lederach waters the dream of reconciliation in our theological garden, compelling us to transform conflict as part of the Christian mission. With decades of experiments putting hands and feet on pacifist Christian theology, Lederach gives us a pragmatic guide for loving our enemies—at home and far away.

—Lisa Schirch, director of human security, Alliance for Peacebuilding

In this deeply important and beautifully written book, John Paul Lederach offers a path to peace borne out of wisdom gained from years of experience both locally and globally. For those seeking reconciliation and peace among their families, churches, communities and, yes, countries, this is a must‐read!

—Randy Newcomb, president and CEO, Humanity United

"With Reconcile, John Paul Lederach reminds Christians anew of what it means to be vulnerable and therefore practically Christian in a world full of conflict. If you believe that all Christians are foremost ambassadors of reconciliation—no matter their vocation or location—then this book will practically prepare you for the transformation that comes with a journey that is also the destination."

—Chris Seiple, president, Institute for Global Engagement

"Reconcile equips its readers to deal with conflict within a solid biblical framework and with practical tools and skills. The additional material and list of readings from other skilled leaders only makes this book even more valuable. Highly recommended for anyone interested in approaching conflict and building reconciliation from a Christian point of view."

—Robert Schreiter, author of The Ministry of Reconciliation: Spirituality and Strategies

[John Paul Lederach’s writing] was central to me and to many of my friends and students in the rediscovery of reconciliation as the mission of God and the calling of Christians.

—Tom Porter, executive director of the religion and conflict transformation program, Boston University School of Theology

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Lederach, John Paul.

Reconcile : conflict transformation for ordinary Christians / John Paul Lederach.

pages cm

ISBN 978-0-8361-9903-1 (pbk. : alk. paper) 1. Conflict management—

Religious aspects—Christianity. 2. Reconciliation—Religious aspects—

Christianity. I. Title.

BV4597.53.C58L46 2014

248.8’6--dc23

2014011694

Reconcile: Conflict Transformation for Ordinary Christians is the revised edition of The Journey Toward Reconciliation, published by Herald Press in 1999.

Copyright © 2014 by Herald Press, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802

Released simultaneously in Canada by Herald Press,

Kitchener, Ontario N2G 3R1. All rights reserved.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014011694

International Standard Book Number: 978-0-8361-9903-1

Printed in United States of America

Cover and interior design by Merrill Miller

Cover photo: composite image by Merrill Miller using photographs from iStockphoto/Thinkstock

A version of chapter 1 was earlier published by Christianity Today; portions of chapter 3 appear in the manuscript-in-progress Compassionate Presence: Dispatches from the Burning Grounds; and a version of the resource Global Conflict: Understanding Terror appeared in Donald B. Kraybill and Linda Gehman Peachey, eds., Where Was God on September 11? (Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 2002). Prayers on pp. 163–66 reprinted from Seasoned with Peace. Contact [e-mail] for information.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

To order or request information, please call 1-800-245-7894 in the U.S. or 1-800-631-6535 in Canada. Or visit www.heraldpress.com.

18 17 16 15 14         10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Wendy and I dedicate this book to our parents,

John M. and Naomi K. Lederach

and Omer and Mary Liechty,

from whom we have found

guidance, sustenance, and love

for the lifelong faith journey.

CONTENTS

Foreword by Bill and Lynne Hybels

Preface

1. The Threat to My Only Child

2. Turning toward the Face of God: Jacob and Esau

3. The Reconciliation Arts: Jesus

4. In the Beginning Was Conflict: Creation

5. When Conflict Burns and We Cry for Help:

The Psalms

6. Truth, Mercy, Justice, and Peace: Psalm 85

7. Where Two or Three Meet: Matthew 18

8. Keep Silent and Listen: Acts 15

9. Reconciliation Is the Gospel: Paul’s Letters

Resources

Tools for Understanding Conflict

Interpersonal Conflict

Church Conflict

Global Conflict

Worship Resources

Prayers

Drama Based on Psalm 85

Resources for Further Study on Conflict and Reconciliation

Invitations to Action

The Author

Foreword

IN MY SERMON on December 8, 2013, I (Bill) claimed that there will come a day when B1 bombers will be used exclusively to drop food and emergency supplies in the aftermath of earthquakes and tsunamis; when aircraft carriers will become floating hospitals serving refugees and other vulnerable people; and when the combined military budgets of all the countries of the world will be devoted to improving life rather than multiplying death.

My paraphrased version of Isaiah’s great vision of swords beaten into plowshares drew applause from my congregation. In our hearts we were celebrating together a future day when Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore (Isaiah 2:4). A day when war colleges will be replaced by peace colleges. A day when the greatest minds, the most creative thinkers, and the purest of heart will be working together—strategically, courageously, and persistently—to wage peace. In the greatest sermon of all time, Jesus says, Blessed are the peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). And we think he meant it!

But the world seems not to have caught on. According to Lederach, there have been 236 active wars in 150 countries just since World War II. And they’ve shattered millions of lives. I (Lynne) recently returned from Jordan, where I sat stunned and silent as Syrian refugees told stories of inconceivable violence and death. There are no children left in Syria, one woman said. Even a four-year-old can describe war and brutality. That is not childhood. That war, and so many others, rage as we write.

Sadly, most American evangelicals have been quicker to vote for war than to wage peace. We say that not as accusation but as confession. For four decades God has trusted us with Christian leadership, but only in recent years have we opened our eyes, minds, and hearts to the biblical call to peacemaking and reconciliation. God, forgive us.

In addition to the clear biblical mandate for learning the things that make for peace (Luke 19:42), we have been drawn to peacemaking for very pragmatic reasons. We have seen—up close—the destructive impact of war. Along with many American churches, we have become increasingly engaged with vulnerable people throughout the world. Called to extend mercy and act justly, we have walked with indigenous local Christians as they have become the hands and feet of Christ in their communities—and we have rejoiced over what they have accomplished! But too often, we later grieved as their progress was destroyed in the path of violent conflict. From the body of a tiny child to the infrastructure of an entire country—we’ve seen war wipe out everything. If we care about the vulnerable people of the world, we must care about peace.

When we decided to study the art of peacemaking, we heard a single name recommended over and over again: John Paul Lederach. So we began reading Lederach. Continued reading Lederach. Are still reading Lederach. And say to you: read Lederach!

But beware: though this book is biblically grounded and thoroughly practical, it is not safe. It will mess with your life. Not because you’ll be called to travel the world and sit with enemies like John Paul Lederach does. You may be called to do that, but that’s not the scary part. What’s scary is that you’ll have to face your own warring heart, your own divisive attitudes and behaviors, your own unreconciled relationships. When you read Lederach’s admission that he is capable of quickly and easily creating enemies, you’ll find yourself crying, Me too, me too, me too. And trust us: it’s painful to face that.

But it’s pain that leads to healing and transformation. Lederach invites us to turn our faces toward God and toward each other, and then teaches us how to do that.

This book truly has the power to change the world. Marriage breakdown? Read Reconcile. Extended family dispute? Read Reconcile. Neighborhood conflict? Read Reconcile. Church split? Read Reconcile. Countries at war? Honestly, if there were a way to lock up world leaders until they read Reconcile, the world would be a different place. It might even look a bit more like the kingdom of God.

Lederach has a prophetic eye, seeing unseen realities, and a prophetic voice, calling us to live a holy dream. We invite you to join us, as we join him, in learning and pursuing God’s work of reconciliation.

—Bill and Lynne Hybels, cofounders, Willow Creek

Community Church

Preface

IN THE PAST THREE DECADES, I have had the opportunity of working extensively in many different settings around our globe, much of the time in situations experiencing war and conflict. The pursuit of peace has taken me into Colombia and Central America, Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia and parts of West Africa, the Basque Country, Northern Ireland, the Philippines, Burma, and Nepal. I am often reminded of the classic book by Chinua Achebe. Achebe chose the title Things Fall Apart to depict the monumental changes experienced by his native Nigeria in the early decades of this century. It feels as though all of us are living in a time when so many things are falling apart—from the breaking up of nation-states to increased levels of ethnic and religious conflict.

Each morning, I am almost fearful of reading the newspaper to find out what happened the night before. With these realities around us, it takes a blind eye or crass nerves to write about reconciliation. Maybe it takes faith and hope.

In speaking about my work in conciliation and peacebuilding, I have struggled with knowing how to convey the challenges and rewards. I also want to show the theological underpinnings that sustain involvement in such endeavors. Before I spoke at one meeting, my daughter, Angie, gave me the most solid piece of advice I had received in some time: Daddy, just tell stories and forget the rest!

In this book I look at the real-life challenges and understandings of reconciliation in our world today. I want to flesh that out through the experiences and words of stories. Stories are different from definitions, exegeses, or theoretical explanations. They can take on the qualities of a person, someone we interact with and learn from, someone we struggle and disagree with, and someone who affirms and challenges us. Stories engulf both our hearts and minds. We talk a lot about stories in mediation and the work of conflict transformation. We believe in the need to tell and hear stories. We work to create a space that honors the experience shared in people’s stories.

STORIES ALONG THE ROAD TO RECONCILIATION

As a mediator working in extremely difficult, painful, and often violent settings, I have found that stories are like a soulmate with whom we travel. At times we bump into each other; mostly we walk side by side. I can turn to the story, even stories told over and over again, and find insight, feeling, challenge, and solace. In stories I find myself. In stories I find a connection with others.

Conflict is also like a journey. We talk about getting ourselves in and out of messes, problems, and situations. We try to figure out where we are on an issue, or where somebody is headed with a crazy idea. Our language talks about a journey. In conflict, more than in any other human experience, we see ourselves and others in new and profound ways, and we seek to restore truth and love in ourselves. If we take care to look beyond the words and the issues, we see God.

Deep conflicts are stressful and painful. At worst, they are violent and destructive. Yet at the same time, they create some of the most intense spiritual encounters we experience. Conflict opens a path, a holy path, toward revelation and reconciliation.

This book is about my experiences and ideas in trying to walk down that holy path. These are stories from my journey toward reconciliation. I will share stories that I have heard and experienced and from which I continue to gain new insight with each retelling. The stories are a window for looking into conflict and reconciliation.

My personal story is that of a believer, a peacemaker and mediator, a sociologist, a teacher, and always a learner. Here I do not pretend to develop a well-honed sociological theory of reconciliation nor a how-to guide for handling conflicts. I am after something different. I want to explore the spiritual foundations that undergird my work as a peacebuilding professional and academic. I want to test with you how I see the challenges of my work and the faith dimensions that motivate and sustain me.

RECONCILIATION TO THE FORE

I wrote the first edition of this book more than fifteen years ago, and my primary audience was readers within my own Anabaptist community. Anabaptism, which includes Mennonite, Amish, Brethren in Christ, and Church of the Brethren faith traditions, began during the Reformation and has continued in a variety of forms to this day. Anabaptist Christians generally emphasize adult baptism, discipleship, simplicity of lifestyle, service to others, and a pacifist orientation respecting the sacredness of life as central to the gospel. While none of these values are owned by Anabaptists—and in my case they came equally influenced by teachers and mentors from the Quaker tradition—they have been cultivated in significant ways in Anabaptist faith communities. These people of faith have given me a peacemaking heritage and a compass for my journey. I am accountable to them.

Since I wrote the first edition of this book, however, the interest in peace and reconciliation as core elements of Christ’s good news has spread far beyond Anabaptism. While many evangelical and mainline Protestants and Catholics