About the Author

John Paul Lederach has worked in international reconciliation for more than thirty years. He has developed training in conflict transformation and provided direct mediation and support services for reconciliation efforts in some of the most violently conflicted regions across five continents. Lederach has consulted with the highest-level government officials and national opposition movements in war-torn settings like Nicaragua, Somalia, Northern Ireland, Colombia, Nepal, and the Philippines. As professor of international peacebuilding and director of the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame, Lederach is the founding director of the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding at Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Virginia. He is the author of twenty-two books and manuals and numerous academic articles and monographs on peace education, conflict transformation, and mediation training. Lederach's books have been translated into more than a dozen languages, and he is in international demand as a lecturer, consultant, and mediation trainer.

Reviews

In an update of The Journey Toward Reconciliation (1999), Lederach (The Moral Imagination: Art and Soul of Building Peace) uses biblical stories to demonstrate what reconciliation and peace building look like. Jacob, for example, made himself vulnerable in moving toward Esau, a brother he knew he had wronged. Jesus was an active listener who accepted people from all stations of life. Lederach reframes Matthew's advice about treating an unrepentant Christian transgressor as a Gentile or tax collector to mean that we should eat with and associate with those with whom we are in conflict. Lederach uses his own experiences as a scholar and hands-on mediator who has participated in reconciliation efforts in Latin America and Africa to help readers understand how we can move toward--not away--from our enemies. When his own daughter's life was threatened, Lederach came to realize the potential cost of reconciliation. Written in a simple style, his analysis is both emotionally powerful and full of practical advice and resources.-- "Reviews"

"Reconcile equips its readers to deal with conflict within a solid biblical framework and with practical tools and skills. The additional material and list of readings from other skilled leaders only makes this book even more valuable. Highly recommended for anyone interested in approaching conflict and building reconciliation from a Christian point of view."--Robert Schreiter "Reviews"

"[John Paul Lederach's writing] was central to me and to many of my friends and students in the rediscovery of reconciliation as the mission of God and the calling of Christians."--Tom Porter "Reviews"

"A profoundly moving and inspiring book! John Paul Lederach's call to dream boldly and to act with enthusiastic pragmatism merits being taken seriously by pastors, students, and practitioners in the field."--Piet Meiring "Reviews"

"A truly beautiful and profound book! A must-read for all Christians and all peace practitioners."--Emmanuel Katongole "Reviews"

"As more Christians become aware and engaged in global conflicts, it becomes easy to choose sides. This timely book by Lederach reminds us that our call is to transcend conflict and bring transformation and reconciliation to all those involved."--Sami Awad "Reviews"

"Concise and readable, this is an essential resource by one of the church's most experienced peacemakers."--David Gushee "Reviews"

"In this deeply important and beautifully written book, John Paul Lederach offers a path to peace borne out of wisdom gained from years of experience both locally and globally. For those seeking reconciliation and peace among their families, churches, communities and, yes, countries, this is a must-read!"--Randy Newcomb "Reviews"

"John Paul Lederach calls each of us to peacemaking that is active, practical, and redemptive. He effectively demonstrates that reconciliation is not passive or optional in the life of believers."--Dale Hanson Bourke "Reviews"

"Lederach waters the dream of reconciliation in our theological garden, compelling us to transform conflict as part of the Christian mission. With decades of experiments putting hands and feet on pacifist Christian theology, Lederach gives us a pragmatic guide for loving our enemies--at home and far away."--Lisa Schirch "Reviews"

"With Reconcile, John Paul Lederach reminds Christians anew of what it means to be vulnerable and therefore practically Christian in a world full of conflict. If you believe that all Christians are foremost ambassadors of reconciliation--no matter their vocation or location--then this book will practically prepare you for the transformation that comes with a journey that is also the destination."--Chris Seiple "Reviews"