Opening spaces where the vision, language, and practices of reconciliation and transformation can be nurtured.
The message of reconciliation lies at the center of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our world yearns for God’s reconciliation. Joining this redeeming work, we are called to a journey of transformation and reconciliation as we serve the church, the academy, and society at large. In this spirit, we are committed to cultivate a theology and best practices for conflict transformation, just peace, and reconciliation. We work with students, academic programs, and initiatives at Duke University, in North Carolina, and with international partners leading reconciliation initiatives around the world.
Conflict Transformation and Reconciliation Program
Hybrid Program for Pastors and Congregational Leaders
This non-degree program for pastors and congregational leaders is facilitated by leading scholars and practitioners in the fields of conflict transformation. The program provides a timely learning opportunity for participants seeking theological and practical skills and spiritual disciplines to foster transformation and reconciliation in their congregations and surrounding communities.
Student Programs
Formation and Training
The CFR runs student programs to contribute to students’ formation in the theology and practice of transformation and reconciliation. These include an advanced spiritual formation group (the Berean Cohort), workshops, immersive experiences, and the CFR Fellows program. CFR Faculty also offer courses in the field of transformation and reconciliation.
International Partner Initiatives
The CFR supports international collaborations that aim to nurture leaders who are engaged in ministries of transformation and reconciliation in specific geographic regions. By applying the CFR’s Word Made Flesh Methodology, these initiatives convene academic, grass roots, nongovernmental and congregational leaders to do contextual theology and discern pathways for advancing the cause of justpeace and reconciliation together.
The mission of the Great Lakes Initiative (GLI) is to mobilize restless Christian leaders from across the Great Lakes region of Africa, create a space for their transformation, and empower them to participate in God’s mission of reconciliation in their own communities, organizations, and nations. GLI offers an annual Christian Leadership Institute for Reconciliation.
The Northeast Asia Reconciliation Initiative (NARI) is a community of Christian leaders seeking to embody God’s vision of reconciliation in that geographic region. NARI convenes an annual Christian Forum for Reconciliation to inspire, form, and support practitioners, church leaders, and educators and scholars from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, and the U.S.
The Americas Initiative for Transformation and Reconciliation (AITR) is an ecumenical network that encompasses diverse organizations, congregations, educational institutions, and individuals who seek the flourishing of just peace and reconciliation. The AITR seeks to promote interdisciplinary theological reflection and motivate opportunities for training, exchange, accompaniment, public advocacy, and other actions to cultivate a Christian witness that fosters holistic transformation in the Americas. The AITR offers an annual online Institute for Transformation and Reconciliation and in-person events as well.
CFR News
July 12, 2024
CFR Associate Director Nina Balmaceda just finished a years-long project focused on uncovering the sacred story of Peace and Hope International over its first 25 years, emphasizing the spiritual dimensions of social and political renewal in Peru and Latin America. Read her interview with Religion Unplugged.
May 15, 2024
The Community of the Cross of Nails is a worldwide community of organizations dedicated to the ministry of reconciliation.
January 15, 2021
In a partnership with Sojourners and two faith-based groups, CFR launches a non-degree certificate program to equip NC-based Latinx and African American pastors, ministry leaders, and their congregations to respond effectively.