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Leaders need to move towards conflict, not away from it. This provides opportunities to reach resolution before the matter gets out of control. A small brush fire can be extinguished by stomping it with one’s foot or using a garden hose, but if it is allowed to expand into the forest it may become unmanageable.

I believe that restorative justice holds promise in that it helps us think about harm from a wholistic perspective. Along with that promise comes the challenge of knowing how to implement restorative practices in systems that have become entrenched in a vision of justice that is more about rules and laws than about relationships and needs.

A program named Andrew’s Answer “provided free after-school and summer camps for neighborhood children, as well as counseling services. It also serves as a mission trip center for youth and adult volunteers from United Methodist churches to come to Chicago and learn about justice and faith.”

Two United Methodists planted the seed for a peace initiative in the European nation of Macedonia that continues to grow to this day.

As a Jesuit, I have another strong anchor drawing me toward respect for persons, even those most opposed to me and all I hold for true, and recognition of their dignity.

St. Francis in the Foothills, a United Methodist Church in Tucson, AZ, is one of many faith communities around the world responding to the Charter of Compassion – a call to bring the world together, to bring the Golden Rule a top priority.

For me, “conflict resolution” is not about resolving anything. It is about maturity, not resolution; growth, not comfort; deepening the soul, not simply easing the spirit.

Scriptural principles in the New Testament have much to say not only about the value of settling disputes outside of court, but also about the spiritual ramifications that are inherent in how we respond to wrongs.

An international group of young adults from eight Asian countries “formed the Sixth Conference Asian Methodist Youth Network to explore ways they can work together for justice and peace.” Priorities “include human rights, building partnerships and organizing an advocacy program.”

If we believe that God is the creator of all life, then we cannot assume that some lives have more value than others. We cannot therefore assert with honesty that God has more love for some people than for others or that God would support violence against some members of creation in order to protect others.