Fuller Theological Seminary is launching a new centre for peacebuilding and conflict transformation, with the aim of equipping Christian leaders to faithfully respond to conflict, division and polarization in both the church and society.
According to a June 10 press release, in collaboration with the IDEOS Institute, Evangelical and Multi-Religious Theological Seminary have announced plans to integrate peacebuilding into academic programs and public initiatives. The new centre will provide theological training, research and practical resources to address issues ranging from political violence and social empiricalization to assembly and group tensions.
IDEOS has experience in “addressing political polarization and violence, social unrest and intergroup conflicts” in both Christian and secular contexts.
“In this process, IDEOS will set the independent operation to sunset and re-emerge as the basis for the center’s work,” the press release added.
Christy Vines, founder and president of IDEOS, will lead the center as his first executive director.
“It is an honor to partner with Fuller Theological Seminary in the creation of the Peacebuilding and Transformation Centre for Conflict,” she said.
“This initiative not only reflects mutual commitment to Christ-centered reconciliation, but also serves as a critical moment when the global church must respond to faithful leadership, academic rigours and deep divisions and conflicts with spiritual beliefs.
The new center plan will show Peacebuilding Learning integrated into Fuller’s existing academic programs. At the same time, as opportunities arise, broader engagement with others – businesses, government agencies, nonprofits, etc. are organized.
“It provides space for theological reflection, research and practical training based on biblical principles,” the press release added.
The center is based on the ingenious leadership of Richard J. Moo, President Empress Fuller, and Senior Professor of Faith and Public Life. My experiences in research and teaching decades ago focus on politeness in public discourse and interfaith dialogue.
In the first three years of the initiative, the Enriched Center for Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation will launch a variety of learning programs to equip Christian leaders for transformative engagement in conflict and reconciliation.
These activities include holding public venues, online learning experiences, developing new academic offers, digital storytelling projects, and forming a global network of practitioners and fellows.
President Fuller David Emmanuel Gortley expressed his gratitude for the establishment of the Centre.
“The toxicity of hostility and the growth of polarized light simply does not sink,” Goatley said.
“Jesus’ disciples around the world must answer calls for transforming conflict and building peace. Fuller Theological Seminary is blessed with a new era of bringing together multicultural, multicultural, multinational, and multidisciplinary resources to help people, congregations and organizations develop the capabilities needed for this important ministries.”
