On September 1, 2005 Conrad Grebel University College will be the first organization in Canada to offer a non-degree certificate program in conflict management for faith leaders, lay leaders and those who are involved in a faith community.
The program will address issues that are unique to faith communities, some of which stem from deeply held values, identities, group dynamics, and family systems. Other issues include
personal conflict issues that can affect the faith community,
says Mary Lou Schwartzentruber, Certificate Program Manager.
Taking a multi-faith perspective, the topics for the workshops were collected in
consultation with people from various faith backgrounds including Anglican, Buddhist, Islam, Jewish, Mennonite, Mormon, Non-Denominational, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, and United,
says Schwartzentruber. Positive comments from these focus groups were the driving force in offering conflict resolution workshops that would
enable leaders and members to live with integrity and in harmony, and be proactive agents for change within their faith communities,
says Schwartzentruber.
Workshops contain skills that are also applicable to other life situations--personal, social, work and community. Topics include Healing Rituals for Conflict Resolution, Spiritual Practice, Understanding Conflict, Racism, Theological Perspectives, Transformative Mediation and more. Questions addressed include,
What makes a faith community's conflict unique? [and] Whose side is God on?
Through experiential learning, participants gain immediately usable conflict management skills by participating in role plays, group work, theory and case study discussions.
Workshops are open to anyone with interest in a particular workshop or who may wish to obtain a Certificate in Conflict Management for Faith Communities. No previous experience or undergraduate degree in conflict resolution is required.
For more information visit the Certificate Program in Conflict Management website.