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Becoming Agents of Reconciliation in Denominations, Communities and Families 
Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, NM
July 17-23, 2006

In the face of growing conflicts within our congregations, our communities, and our nation, many of which have been highlighted in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, this seminar will focus on developing skills and sharing insights for becoming more effective agents of reconciliation. For the Church to address conflicts in church and society, congregational leaders need to develop the capacity to constructively and creatively facilitate dialogue within their congregations, denominations, and communities on controversial issues.

This ecumenically based course will help participants develop skills to constructively engage one another on controversial issues dividing the church such as sexual orientation, interpretation of scripture, cross-cultural conflict, and family values and relationships.  This calls for skills of listening, conflict analysis, empathic identification with others, mutual problem solving, and strategies for facilitation.  The instructors and special resource persons will apply their experience and skills to provide concrete examples of addressing these types of conflict.  The course will use a resource developed by the leaders when working in South Africa. Peace Skills for Community Mediators which includes spiritual, moral, and cultural resources to promote understanding of conflict and to develop constructive approaches to addressing the differences that divide us.  The seminar leaders will draw on extensive U.S. and international work as mediators and trainers in peace-building skills to address controversial topics.

Course Leaders: Rev. Dr. Robert A. and Prof. Alice Frazer Evans, Executive Director s, Plowshares Institute, Connecticut; and Senior Fellows, Center for Conflict Resolution, South Africa. 

Logistics: The seminar will take place at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, NM.  This beautiful desert setting provides a stimulating place for personal reflection and learning.  The Ghost Ranch seminar fee is $250 per participant, plus between $290-$390 for a week of room and board.

For more information or to register: Contact Plowshares; Ghost Ranch Website