Resources for Conflict Transformation Healing and Reconciliation in the Diocese of Florida The Pastoral Art of Holy Administration Dear Friends, The Steering Committee for Healing and Reconciliation in the Diocese of Florida offers this Conflict Transformation Page on the diocesan website to support all its organizations and communities in a healthy, spiritual and Christ-centered life. The Page is a work in progress. We expect that tools will be added as the diocese discovers the best resources for its members to engage in healthy, canonical and functional convening of its bodies, as well as tend to conflict equitably, lovingly, and responsibly. We offer these tools as resources for those who value shared authority among clergy and lay alike and who honor the holy work of administration. We welcome your feedback as this project unfolds. May the love of God surround you and keep you. May God bless your ministry of reconciliation wherever it may be and together may we build the body of Christ in the Diocese of Florida. Faithfully, The Steering Committee for Healing and Reconciliation in the Diocese of Florida Conflict Transformation Processes Conflict Transformation processes are structured gatherings that have the purpose of listening across difference, promoting healing and reconciliation and living into the new life Christ prepares for us. These can focus on personal experiences of hurt and harm, systemic injustice, or increasing understanding across political, cultural or theological differences in a community. A trained facilitator from within the Diocese can oversee these processes. A Process for Forgiveness is a recommended guide to support both personal forgiveness work, and when preparing to participate in a Conflict Transformation process. Listening Circles – Listening Circles are appropriate for story-sharing within an affinity group or those who have had a common, painful experience and who wish to find reconciliation together. The following summary outlines the purpose and steps of a typical listening circle (from Mediators Beyond Borders). “Circle processes can create a different path for group members to relate to and support each other in striving after a common mission or vision, especially when tensions arise in the struggle to move society forward or when different perspectives or approaches stall organizations in accomplishing their goals. The embedded characteristics of equitable voices (non-hierarchical form), deep listening, and face-to-face communication in sacred space offer a counterpoint to current fast-paced, debate-centered, and technology-based communication practices. The structure contributes to circles being ideal for deepening relationships, processing difficult experiences, and restoring groups, teams, and communities after a rupture.” Sacred Ground – Sacred Ground is a film and readings-based dialogue series on race, grounded in faith. Small groups are invited to walk through chapters of American history of race and racism, while weaving in threads of family story, economic class, and political and regional identity. The program is an 11-part series and is part of “Becoming Beloved Community”. Living Room Conversations – This secular tool offers a simple format that does not require a trained facilitator and can be used to have conversations across difference on a wide array of topics that are of communal concern. It is a helpful tool when a congregation and its neighbors are in need of a functional conversation across a difference of perspectives. The online description notes: “Living Room Conversation is an event where people come together in person or online to discuss an issue using a carefully crafted “conversation guide” that fosters connection and understanding. Small groups of 4-6 people experience improved listening and an open mindset, better understanding of other perspectives, increased interest in systemic issues and improved trust, collaboration and problem-solving. Diocese of Florida Listening Process (2024 and 2025) – this model, specifically designed for the Diocese of Florida, can be tailored to a congregational conversation where all voices need to be heard. Using Lectio Divina, Mutual Invitation and Communication Guidelines. A trained facilitator can assist with effective questions for conversation and smooth delivery of the process. Conflict Prevention Tools for Leadership Bodies and Ministry Groups Conflict prevention tools provide pillars for community building in any group that is not in a conflict situation. They allow for effective facilitation, safe sharing of perspectives, respectful and honest sharing, all of which build trust and effectiveness among members. In addition to sharing in prayer and liturgy, many find the following tools helpful in creating a healthy and pastoral setting for governance bodies to keep up with difficult conversations and avoid high conflict. Lectio Divina Mutual Invitation Communication Norms Exploring Our Relationship With Authority Bible Study – a Bible Study to explore on one’s own or in a group process. This can help an individual explore their experience of power of authority, and assist a group in determining their relational guidelines for the use of power and authority Train the Trainers Psychological Safety Remarks Suggested Reading: Facilitator’s Guide to Participatory Decision-Making – 3rd Ed., Wiley and Sons, Sam Kaner “How to Deal with Difficult People” – Peter Steinke For Groups: Click to learn more about the Course Generation to Generation: Family Process in Church and Synagogue – Edwin H. Friedman, Guilford Press, 2011 A Failure of Nerve – Edwin H. Friedman, Church Publishing, revised edition External facilitators for conflict resolution and reconciliation Alternative Dispute Resolution – processes are being developed through the Presiding Bishop’s Office. Ms. Mary Kostel, Chancellor to the Presiding Bishop, is the appropriate contact person to assist in discerning how their processes may be of use. “An effective mediation process when two or more groups in a congregation or diocese need assistance in resolving difference is Continuing Relationship Mediation. “The Continuing Relationship Mediation (CRM) is an innovative and Christ-centered approach to conflict resolution designed to help Christian groups work through internal disputes and move forward together as brothers and sisters in Christ. Developed by our partner In Christ Supporting Ministry (ICSM), CRM relies on the grace and redeeming power of Jesus Christ who brings hope in the midst of discord, reconciliation in the midst of conflict, and unity in the midst of division. Relying on the work of the Holy Spirit, CRM is designed to reach beneath the surface to resolve the core issues in a conflict and support the healing of relationships impacted by the dispute. It involves multiple sessions led by skilled facilitators who are trained and certified by ICSM. Sessions are framed by daily liturgies and opportunities for prayer. Working in pairs, CRM facilitators engage in extensive listening and clarification of the issues with participants, educate participants on new conflict resolution tools, and provide coaching to participants. With this groundwork and reliance on the Spirit, CRM facilitators help participants engage in authentic conversation, explore concrete solutions together, and seek a renewed relationship with one another in Christ. The hope in every mediation is that God will take the conflict’s energy and transform it into new connections in which the participants are restored to unity with each other in the Body of Christ.”