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Becoming Agents of Reconciliation in Congregations, Communities, and Countries

Lessons from the United States, South Africa, and Indonesia 
Hartford Seminary, CT
June 19-23, 2006

This Hartford Seminary course, facilitated by Plowshares staff, will use case studies of conflict in congregations, communities, and nations to help pastors, educators, and lay-leaders develop skills to become agents of reconciliation.  We will explore the biblical and theological theme: “Empowering for Reconciliation with Justice.” Participants will be equipped to promote constructive dialogue in conflicted congregations and communities on controversial issues from homosexuality to mission priorities.  The Evans and Bishop Verryn will draw on their experience in South Africa, Indonesia, and the United States in promoting a culture of human rights and reconciliation.  The training in conflict transformation will be drawn from the Peace Skills for Community Mediators, a manual and leaders guide written by the Evans.

Faculty:  Robert A. Evans, Adjunct Professor of Theology and Ethics and Executive Director, PlowsharesInstitute.  Alice Frazer Evans, Adjunct Professor of Theology and Ethics and Director of Writing and Research, Plowshares Institute. The Evans are both Senior Fellows at the Centre for Conflict Resolution at the University of Cape Town, South Africa and Senior Trainers for the Center for Empowering for Reconciliation and Peace in Indonesia.  Paul Verryn is the Bishop of Johannesburg for the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, a counselor, and an authority on HIV/AIDS and immigration issues.  He is the Director of the theological college in Soweto and is a Professor of Bible, Theology, and Ethics.

General Information: This Hartford Seminary course is open to qualified members of the public on a space-available basis.  It carries graduate level credit or may be audited. Students taking courses for credit will be given preference in registration. Due to the intensive weeklong format of summer courses, most courses have required reading lists, which are mailed to students in advance.  In addition, many classes fill up quickly. Students are urged to register early to ensure a place in this course as well as ensure receipt of the reading list in time to prepare for their courses. For more information about the course please: Contact Plowshares.  For information about registration please contact Karen Rollins at Hartford Seminary.