Key Themes of RCT

Engage Conflict Well

PREPARE YOURSELF FOR CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION

CREATE A WELL, NOT A WALL

Create in yourself an openness to conflict as part of God’s creation, an opportunity for growth and revelation.

ALLOW THE WELL TO FILL

Open your heart and mind to God’s love reducing your anxiety and drawing you toward reconciliation and being a reconciler.

BE WELL PREPARED

Be prepared to listen for understanding, speak the truth in love, use your imagination, and be forgiving.

BE WELL

Accept forgiveness and healing so that you can be a mediating presence in the conflict.

ENGAGE OTHERS IN CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION

CREATE A COMMON WELL TOGETHER

Together analyze the conflict and design a collaborative process where everyone can participate and be responsible.

SHARE THE WELL

Create a relational covenant that clarifies and affirms how everyone will be treated in the process.

DRINK DEEPLY TOGETHER

Elicit stories of peak experiences, sacred moments and dreams of a preferred future.

LET IT FLOW

Move from positions to interests and needs, generating options to reach consensus. Move from retribution to restoration: healing the harm, affirming accountability and creating a new relationship.

BE WELL TOGETHER

Celebrate each step toward healing and communion. Be prayerful, persistent and patient.

These themes are elaborated in the ten chapters of Tom Porter’s book, The Spirit and Art of Conflict Transformation, Creating a Culture of JustPeace.