The Spirit and Art of Conflict Transformation: Creating a Culture of Just Peace

Transforming conflict into a positive rather than a negative force is a spiritual pursuit and needs to be grounded in biblical principles: love of God, neighbor, and self. This book is a resource for seminary professors, leaders, ministers, mediators, facilitators, and conflict transformation consultants who want to approach their work in this way. Part I explains how we can prepare ourselves for the work of engaging conflict, and Part II explores how we engage others in conflict transformation, outlining specific processes. This book articulates the vision and practice of conflict transformation developed by the JustPeace organization.

Tom Porter is a United Methodist minister (New England Conference), teacher, mediator, and trial lawyer. He currently serves as the executive director of JUSTPEACE Center for Mediation and Conflict Transformation, The United Methodist Church. He leads the school for new District Superintendents each year at Lake Junaluska. Tom Porter graduated from Yale, received M.Div. degree from Union Theological Seminary and J.D. from Boston University Law School. He studied mediation at Harvard Law School and Eastern Mennonite University.