Reconciliation

Restorative justice practices teach high school students to share stories and resolve conflict

A nonprofit hosts conversation circles in schools as part of its commitment to healing trauma and preventing violence in Chicago’s Bronzeville community.

By Alison Bowen Journalist

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MLK Day and the inauguration: Looking forward, looking back

The convergence and contradictions of the Martin Luther King holiday and the second inauguration of Donald Trump reflect a decidedly American pattern, writes the co-executive director of MLK50.

By Adrienne Johnson Martin Journalist

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Going beyond just keeping the peace to becoming ambassadors of peace

In the months before the 2024 presidential election, the Purple Church Initiative helped members of hundreds of UMC churches in North Carolina talk with fellow congregants with whom they disagreed.

Beth Crissman Kenneth H. Carter Jr.

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With repentance for its past, a retreat center and hub for social justice builds a new future

Almost 40 years ago, an ecumenical group of faith leaders rallied to save a historic property in Richmond, Virginia. They have continued its prayerful tradition while creating a place for refuge and education.

By Edie Gross Journalist

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What does it mean to follow Jesus in a divided America?

Our ultimate goal isn’t winning an argument or even an election but bringing healing to a suffering world, writes a journalist and author.

By Bekah McNeel Journalist and author

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How long, O Lord? How long?

What might we hear and think and do as faith leaders as the war in the Middle East grinds on?

By Peter A. Pettit Teaching pastor, St. Paul Lutheran Church

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Brenda Salter McNeil: Reconciliation is about much more than making friends

For the Seattle-based theologian, living into the reality of reconciliation means contributing to a world where all of God’s creation can flourish.

What we can learn from the contemplative heart of the Civil Rights Movement

Howard Thurman and other civil rights leaders modeled how contemplation fuels action and action fuels contemplation.

By Michelle T. Sanchez Executive director, Revoice

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Mary Alice Birdwhistell and Tyler D. Mayfield: Exodus and the season of Lent both call us to action

In their new Lenten study, a pastor and a theologian in Louisville invite a practice of activism, one step at a time.

Instead of defining progress as building bridges, consider what the work requires

Remembering the racist attacks on civil rights marchers crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge pushes us to think about what compromise looks like.

By Aleta Payne Senior editor, Faith & Leadership

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Why is it so hard to know how to pray about the Israel-Hamas war?

A pastor struggles with what to say when there are no words that match the enormity and complexity of the conflict.

By Laura Stern Senior Pastor, Apex United Methodist Church

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