Four Duke Divinity School students will share their experiences attending the third annual Christian Forum for Reconciliation in Northeast Asia at a brownbag event on Sept. 8, 2016 at 12:30 p.m. in 0013 Westbrook. The students gathered May 23-28 of this year in Hong Kong, China, with 60 leaders from Japan, China, South Korea, Hong Kong, and the U.S. to worship, connect, and collaborate on issues of reconciliation and peace building in Northeast Asia. 

Students Jaron Cheung (M.T.S. '17), Aaron Griffith (Th.D. '17), Cory O’Neal (M.Div. '17), and Caitlin Tremper (M.Div. '17) were joined at the forum by Ellen Davis, Amos Ragan Kearns Distinguished Professor of Bible and Practical Theology; Xi Lian, professor of world Christianity; and Dan Struble, associate dean of external relations and interim director of the Center for Reconciliation.

Said Cheung, reflecting on the unique context of the gathering, “Reconciliation is not achievable by a 'one size fits all' solution. It is a mutual journey together.” Added O'Neal, "The language of tears drew the group together.” 

The forum, which was previously held in South Korea and Japan, is designed using the same format as the Summer Institute for Reconciliation and the Great Lakes Initiative Leadership Institute. During the five-day event, participants explore the themes of new creation, lament, hope and spirituality. Movement through these themes connects participants’ lives and work to the Christian story to encourage and challenge them to more fully live out the Gospel.