Transforming Conflict

Collaborative Conversations for Constructive Change

Renowned Lutheran theologian and church leader, Bishop Krister Stendahl wrote:

We thought that love was the opposite to conflicts and divided opinions.  So we smiled and tried to look friendly and loving in church […].  We were afraid of conflict and of those who raised difficult questions that might split the church and destroy our homemade picture of love.  Or we made our community congenial enough (socially, racially, theologically) so that we could have that feeling of love undisturbed.

Love is measured not by feeling, but by how much tension it can stand.¹

If your community or organization is experiencing some conflict, whether internal or external, that is reducing its effectiveness or endangering its future, consider enlisting our services.  We use proven methods of collaboration in which participants own the process and can reach win/win outcomes that:

• Move from opposing positions to meeting the needs of all
• Reject retribution and embrace healing
• Acknowledge accountability and restore justice

1. Krister Stendahl, “Holy Week: Series A,” Proclamation: Aids for Interpreting the Lessons of the Church Year (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1974), pp. 46-47.

Your Next Step

If you would like our help in addressing a conflict your community or organization is confronting, contact JHA Consulting at jimalphen@comcast.net or 312-636-4267.