John Paul Lederach - Reconcile: Conflict Transformation for Ordinary Christians

John Paul Lederach calls each of us to peacemaking that is active, practical, and redemptive. He effectively demonstrates that reconciliation is not passive or optional in the life of believers.

Dale Hanson Bourke, author of The IsraeliPalestinian Conflict

A profoundly moving and inspiring book! John Paul Lederachs call to dream boldly and to act with enthusiastic pragmatism merits being taken seriously by pastors, students, and practitioners in the field.

Piet Meiring, former member of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission

As more Christians become aware and engaged in global conflicts, it becomes easy to choose sides. This timely book by Lederach reminds us that our call is to transcend conflict and bring transformation and reconciliation to all those involved.

Sami Awad, founder and executive director, Holy Land Trust

Lederach waters the dream of reconciliation in our theological garden, compelling us to transform conflict as part of the Christian mission. With decades of experiments putting hands and feet on pacifist Christian theology, Lederach gives us a pragmatic guide for loving our enemiesat home and far away.

Lisa Schirch, director of human security, Alliance for Peacebuilding

In this deeply important and beautifully written book, John Paul Lederach offers a path to peace borne out of wisdom gained from years of experience both locally and globally. For those seeking reconciliation and peace among their families, churches, communities and, yes, countries, this is a mustread!

Randy Newcomb, president and CEO, Humanity United

With Reconcile, John Paul Lederach reminds Christians anew of what it means to be vulnerable and therefore practically Christian in a world full of conflict. If you believe that all Christians are foremost ambassadors of reconciliationno matter their vocation or locationthen this book will practically prepare you for the transformation that comes with a journey that is also the destination.

Chris Seiple, president, Institute for Global Engagement

Reconcile equips its readers to deal with conflict within a solid biblical framework and with practical tools and skills. The additional material and list of readings from other skilled leaders only makes this book even more valuable. Highly recommended for anyone interested in approaching conflict and building reconciliation from a Christian point of view.

Robert Schreiter, author of The Ministry of Reconciliation: Spirituality and Strategies

[John Paul Lederachs writing] was central to me and to many of my friends and students in the rediscovery of reconciliation as the mission of God and the calling of Christians.

Tom Porter, executive director of the religion and conflict transformation program, Boston University School of Theology

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Lederach, John Paul.

Reconcile : conflict transformation for ordinary Christians / John Paul Lederach.

pages cm

ISBN 978-0-8361-9903-1 (pbk. : alk. paper) 1. Conflict management
Religious aspectsChristianity. 2. ReconciliationReligious aspects
Christianity. I. Title.

BV4597.53.C58L46 2014

248.86--dc23

2014011694

Reconcile: Conflict Transformation for Ordinary Christians is the revised edition of The Journey Toward Reconciliation, published by Herald Press in 1999.

Copyright 2014 by Herald Press, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802

Released simultaneously in Canada by Herald Press,

Kitchener, Ontario N2G 3R1. All rights reserved.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014011694

International Standard Book Number: 978-0-8361-9903-1

Printed in United States of America

Cover and interior design by Merrill Miller

Cover photo: composite image by Merrill Miller using photographs from iStockphoto/Thinkstock

A version of for information.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

To order or request information, please call 1-800-245-7894 in the U.S. or 1-800-631-6535 in Canada. Or visit www.heraldpress.com.

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Wendy and I dedicate this book to our parents,

John M. and Naomi K. Lederach

and Omer and Mary Liechty,

from whom we have found

guidance, sustenance, and love

for the lifelong faith journey.