Peacemaking

PRACTICE

Transforming relationships and places through commitment and presence

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

– Martin Luther King Jr.

WHY PEACEMAKING?

In a world full of conflict, we need people who make peace happen.

We cannot curse at the darkness and expect it to change—We have to turn on the light and dispel the darkness. “Blessed are the peacemakers” who take action in local and practical ways to resolve conflict and uphold peace—whether between individuals on the block, or between groups engaged in war.

Faithful presence in places and situations of conflict.

We can’t make peace in places we aren’t present. It takes ‘license to operate’ to bring parties together in conversation, circles, or negotiations to create new and better ways or relating. Commitment to specific issues in particular places can create the potential for peacemaking.

GET STARTED

Get Proximate

If you care about particular people who are in conflict, then get closer in reasonable ways to listen, learn, and build trust. Pay attention to who is closest to the situation, and the solutions desired by those directly involved.

Consider: How can you get closer to the issues you care about?

“Peace cannot be achieved through violence, it can only be attained through understanding.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Listen Deeply

Make sure that every person participating in a conversation or peace process is treated with respect and that their perspective and needs are welcomed. Listen deeply and seek understanding before offering solutions or next steps.

Consider: Who is being heard? Who is being overlooked?

“Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.”

– Simone Weil

Collaborate Towards Solutions

Resolving conflict and forming new ways of relating will require collaborative participation from all involved. Peace cannot be imposed, and trust has to be earned. There are no shortcuts in peacemaking, and any solutions or agreements must be sustained going forward.

Consider: How can you practically support repair and the rebuilding of trust?

“Trust takes years to build, seconds to break, and forever to repair.”

– Unknown

Get Help from Experts

Connect with trained mediators, peace circle keepers, social workers, community leaders, faith leaders, and other types of experts who can provide insight and guidance to your personal or community situation. Build a network of support around the people and situation.

Consider: Who else can bring the skillsets and experience needed to help in this situation?