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.
International Partnerships
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, grassroots, nongovernmental and congregational leaders to do contextual theology and discern pathways for advancing the cause of just peace 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
February 17, 2026
Duke Divinity School welcomed Hawkins, director of the Office of Public Witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA), for “The Role of Faith in Public Life,” where he challenged attendees to consider how the church embodies its calling.
September 29, 2025
China Christian Daily
Nina Balmaceda, the Irene and William McCutchen Associate Professor of the Practice of Reconciliation and director of the Center for Reconciliation, discussed reconciliation in diverse contexts and hope for dialogue in the global church.
July 12, 2024
Religion Unplugged
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.