A mediator is not a bon vivant welcoming disputants to a gala. Rather, a good mediator possesses a quiet inner joy. As a peacemaker, he seeks an inner peace attained not only through training and experience but received as a gift of divine grace.
The Church as an Instrument of Peace In a Troubled World, Part 7
March 14, 2012 by | Leave a Comment
We must build the peace with the same passion we expended in the fight. Fighting may be easier than making peace, winning easier than transforming the world. But making peace and transforming the world are our goals.
The Church as an Instrument of Peace In a Troubled World, Part 6
March 13, 2012 by | Leave a Comment
Though we aspire to bring peace to a troubled world, we first must achieve solidarity within the Church through robust conflict resolution programs consistent with Vatican II.
The Church as an Instrument of Peace In a Troubled World, Part 5
March 12, 2012 by | Leave a Comment
Within the culture of the Church, typically we handle conflict in three ways: we exercise power; we seek adjudication based on our rights; or we negotiate with our brother and seek to satisfy both our interests. We turn to power, rights, or interests.
The Church as an Instrument of Peace In a Troubled World, Part 4
March 12, 2012 by | Leave a Comment
The mediation discipline stresses process. Parties tend to put attention solely on substance, failing to recognize that how they go about resolving disputes is critical. If the process does not promise and deliver safety and hope and actively promote willingness to participate, the effort goes nowhere.
The Church as an Instrument of Peace In a Troubled World, Part 2
March 11, 2012 by | Leave a Comment
And we find when we distance ourselves from God, the result is separation from our brothers. When we are unable to love God, we are unable to love our neighbor. Lack of love sets the stage for conflict.
Easy Answers?
December 14, 2011 by | Leave a Comment
A recent blog post by Heather King, reprinted on Father Robert Barron’s Word on Fire blog, raises key questions we face during conflict. She focuses on the tension between our desire for spiritual fulfillment and the challenging pilgrimage our faith entails.
The Wolf and Canon Law
October 21, 2011 by | Leave a Comment
In mediation the spirit of the law does not remain an abstract philosophical factor but rather is brought to life by the workings of the Holy Spirit.
Taming the Wolf in Archdiocese News
September 8, 2011 by | Leave a Comment
The Tidings article provides an informative introduction to the work of the Rev. Brian Cox of the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy who spoke as a guest at the workshop regarding advances in the emerging field of faith-based diplomacy.
The Church as an Instrument of Peace In a Troubled World, Part 8
Thus, we see the heart–centered approach of Francis has evolved into an approach to the New Evangelization. A Franciscan recognizes the image of God in the other — and thus gives the gift of Divine Face. This Face of a Franciscan that sees God in the other person becomes the cornerstone of the New Evangelization.