Gathering in Glasgow set to explore conflict and faith
Published on 23 August 2019
This October, Place for Hope and its partners, including the Kirk's Glasgow Presbytery team, are hosting the ‘Gathering in Glasgow on Conflict and Faith' at the Royal Concert Hall and the Adelaide Place Baptist Church. The three-day event will explore the nature of conflict faced by churches and faith communities, and the ways we can work together in conflict transformation.
Open to anyone interested in faith-based conflict transformation, the event will be packed with inspiring plenary talks, practical workshops and opportunities for networking, and aims to:
- Respond to the hunger for reconciliation and peace in churches and communities.
- Develop and sustain the art of conflict transformation, reconciliation and peacebuilding.
- Share and develop knowledge and skills to support reconciliation work.
- Strengthen the unique contribution made to conflict transformation by churches and faith communities.
- Uncover the peace-making skills you already have.
David Brubaker, Associate Professor of Organisational Studies at the Centre for Justice and Peacebuilding, Eastern Mennonite University, is looking forward to delivering a key note speech on the topic of ‘waiting'.
"I've been privileged to accompany the development of Place for Hope since the founding conference in Aviemore in 2009," David said.
"The growth in programmes offered, people served, and communities impacted has been extraordinary. I'm eager to glimpse what the next decade holds."
Victoria Mason, part of the Archbishop of Canterbury's Reconciliation Team, will be leading one of the workshops which are spread out across the three days.
"Knowing how to transform conflict is crucial for following Jesus in a world that is ever more complex and divided," Victoria added.
"I look forward to being inspired to embrace that challenge with energy, wisdom and love."
A whole host of influential speakers
Other key note speakers will include:
- Sarah Hills, Vicar of Holy Island, Honorary Canon for Reconciliation at Inverness Cathedral, and Canon Emeritus of Coventry Cathedral.
- Brendan McAllister, Corrymeela Member, Senior Mediation Advisor with the UN and a Senior Associate of ‘mediatEUr'.
- Ruth Harvey, Director of Place for Hope, a leading Mediation and Conflict Transformation provider amongst church communities in Scotland and beyond.
The gathering is being hosted in partnership with the Presbytery of Glasgow, Centre for Good Relations, Rose Castle Foundation, Bridge Builders, The Corrymeela Community, St Michael's House Coventry Cathedral , The Blackley Centre, Scottish Mediation, St Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace and the Archbishop of Canterbury's Reconciliation Ministry.
Marking the 10th anniversary of Place for Hope
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Place for Hope, a Scottish charity launched in 2009 in response to the need for mediators within faith groups and congregations in Scotland.
Now, a decade on, Place for Hope supports the work of 35 trained and accredited mediators. They work throughout Scotland and the north of England offering coaching, facilitating difficult conversations and training. The aim is to nurture peace and build reconciliation in all church denominations.
You can find out more about the Gathering in Glasgow on Conflict and Faith, and buy tickets to the event at Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall and the Adelaide Place Baptist Church, on the Place for Hope events page.
Ticket prices range from £45-£295, with one-day and early bird options available.
However, accommodation is not included. Information on nearby accommodation, including an option of support to find free accommodation, will be provided on completion of your booking.
This event is also eligible for study leave funding for ministers in the Church of Scotland. You can find out more on the Ascend website.
