Several weeks ago Phil and I attended a lecture with a professor from Brandeis University, Mari Fitzduff.  She talked about the  Conflict Resolution field and how it is very new and growing.  It seems strange, but it is an apparently novel idea that the cessation of violence is not the only indicator of peace.  The conflict resolution field is engaging that issue, working towards reconcilition in divided societies and working to ensure that violent conflicts do not occur.

I took some time to talk with her and afterwards sent her an email about my hopes for a career in the CR field.  I explained that I was primarily a theologian, and that I wanted to bring religious knowledge into the growing field.  She referred me to Marc Gopin, a prof. at George Mason, whom I have read and for whom I have much respect.  We talked back and forth over a few emails and he encouraged me to get in touch with a colleague who used to teach at Antioch in Yellow Springs and who now runs a CR consulting organization there called The Aria Group.

He and I also talked over a few emails, though he is in Israel for a year.  He referred me to a colleague of his, who I will be meeting in April to discuss the field.  I’ve received much encouragement and advice from these people, all of whom have told me to get a professional certificate in CR.  I’d love to spend time working with this organization in yellow springs and hope that I can be used there.

I’ve said on here many times that my passion for nonviolence and reconciliation cannot simply be academic and I feel like I am taking some steps towards that being a reality.  Please hope and pray with me that this might be a possibility soon.