Fundamental principles of dispute resolution have undergone major advancement in the past thirty years, sparking a revolution in alternative dispute resolution (ADR), primarily in the courts.
In the Christian faith, we possess a rich ongoing tradition of peacemaking—in fact, much of the dispute resolution profession draws heavily on this historical tradition, intentionally or unintentionally. Nonetheless, we have further to go to truly understand how to turn our good intentions for world peace into lived reality.
We must seek new and innovative ways of handling each step of the conflict resolution process. And we must arrive at ways of addressing unique conflict situations. Perhaps no other area deserves our attention as much as the clash of worldviews and beliefs that pit sections of society against one another.
The wisdom exists but we face the task of bringing such knowledge to the public in ways that provide practical and workable approaches to peacemaking. We must find new ways of educating the public regarding the challenges involved in working through differences. We must find ways of addressing types of conflict that go beyond differences and lead us into wrestling with evil—dealing with intentional acts designed to harm and destroy.
The Institute seeks to become a leader in this research and will produce, from time to time, white papers and other advisory publications designed to share our findings. We seek to bring together the most advanced thinkers in the conflict resolution discipline in collaboration leading to breakthroughs in conflict management.
