In the Christian life and in places of worship, we seek to connect with God and find peace. However, our realties sometime swerve from this ideal. In lives where we know the pain of falling out even with those with whom we are close, where disagreements and factions can flare, we offer a course to help us all live into the promise of healing and reconciliation.
In this course we explore the shared language and concepts between reconciliation and healing; our sense of vocation and call; the desperate need to harness the healing power of forgiveness, the urgency for radical hospitality – despite the costs; how true embodied presence can bring healing; and how ‘total peace’ can be sought in the meeting places of individual healing and political peace.Â
In this self led online course, participants will:
- explore the types of healing and reconciliation that is sought;
- reflect on the meaning and pursuit of healing, reconciliation, confession and restorative justice;
- look at the relational impact of conflict and the health impacts of reconciliation;
- think through the background connections between emotions and bodies, and how they link to the healing ministry;
- explore the personal and communal ministries that address pain and peace
This course would be of value to all Christians, and those engaged in ministries of peace and reconciliation.
Course content is delivered by The Revd Ruth Harvey. Ruth is the Leader of the Iona Community, a Church of Scotland Minister and a Quaker. She was the former Director for the peace and reconciliation charity, Place for Hope, which accompanies and equips people and faith communities so that all might reach their potential to be peacemakers who navigate conflict well. Her lecture draws on decades of living out a calling committed to peace, justice, reconciliation and healing for all.Â
This course is online and self-led, meaning you can go through all of the content at your own pace. Typically, the course will take 45 – 90 minutes. It is free to GoHealth community members or available to anyone making a one-time purchase for £15.