Our world yearns for God’s reconciliation. As God is restoring the world through Christ, so also Christians must join the work of reconciliation. We are called to bring justice and transformation of racial inequity, poverty, environmental issues, human rights, global conflicts, and other issues today. In order to accomplish this work, we need to understand how we can apply the theology of reconciliation to real-world situations. The Center for Reconciliation (CFR) at Duke Divinity School was founded to form and support leaders, communities, and congregations as Christ-like ambassadors of reconciliation. 

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“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in [the Son], and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”

Upcoming Events

Join us for workshops, lectures, institutes and more.
Tue, Mar 19, 2024 | 7 - 9pm | Online (Zoom)

Institute of the Americas for Transformation and Reconciliation

The Institute of the Americas offers an opportunity for interdisciplinary theological and contextual formation around transformation and reconciliation.

Thu, Mar 21, 2024 | 12:30 - 1:30pm | 0015 Westbrook

CFR Conversation: Life at the Border - Learning from Casa del Migrante

Center for Reconciliation conversation with Alma Ramirez about the work of La Casa del Migrante serving migrants at the US/Mexico border and ways that volunteers can be involved.

Tue, Apr 2, 2024 | 7 - 9pm | Online (Zoom)

Institute of the Americas for Transformation and Reconciliation

The Institute of the Americas offers an opportunity for interdisciplinary theological and contextual formation around transformation and reconciliation.

Reconciliation panel conversation in Goodson; two men in suits sitting in chairs on Goodson stage in discussion

Certificate in Conflict Transformation and Reconciliation

Hybrid Program for Pastors and Lay Leaders

The 15-month non-degree program, facilitated by leading scholars and practitioners in the fields of conflict transformation and reconciliation, provides a timely learning opportunity for pastors and lay leadership seeking theological and practical skills to foster reconciliation in their congregations and surrounding communities.

Student Programs

Formation and Training

The CFR runs several student programs to develop students’ understanding of the theology and practice of reconciliation. These include an advanced spiritual formation group, workshops/trainings, pilgrimages, and the CFR Fellows program. Faculty also teach a number of courses related to reconciliation.

Students listening to lecture in Goodson Chapel; featuring a student in tan plaid shirt

International Partner Initiatives

The CFR, working not only in the United States but also in international settings, has collaborated in programs that bring Christians from across the world to specific regions that have experienced pain and conflict. Together, they share theological scholarship and build relationships in order to discern ways to bring about reconciliation.
African Great Lakes Initiatives
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. 
Northeast Asia Reconciliation Initiative
The Northeast Asia Reconciliation Initiative is an emerging community of Christian leaders from Northeast Asia and the U.S. seeking to embody God’s vision of reconciliation. The initiative is a theological fueling station 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
The Americas Initiative for Transformation and Reconciliation (AITR) is a regional program started in 2020 by Duke’s Center for Reconciliation (CFR) that aims to network, educate, and transform Christian leaders from across the Americas to work for just peace and transformation. 
Reflection and Workshops

Summer Institute for Reconciliation

The CFR sponsors the annual Summer Institute for Reconciliation that brings scholars, students, community members, church leaders, and leaders of faith-based organizations to the Duke Divinity campus for an intensive weeklong institute on reconciliation. The program combines plenary speakers, round-table issues panels, seminars, and ecumenical worship to create a space to grow together as scholars and practitioners of reconciliation. 

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hands holding a cross
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.
A participant in the summer institute stands up to ask a question
January 29, 2020
The Summer Institute for Reconciliation inspired Durham participants to engage both the church and community in racial reconciliation efforts.
students pose together
February 27, 2019
Five Divinity School students attended the ninth annual Great Lakes Initiative leadership institute in Kampala, Uganda, on Jan. 6-11, 2019.