Transforming Conflict: A Peacebuilding Approach for an Intergroup Conflict in a Local Congregation

An intergroup conflict based on fundamental incompatibilities such as different group identity and values is the highest and the unhealthiest level of conflict in a local congregation setting. In this case, a peacebuilding process is required in order to transform the conflict situation to achieve sustainable peace. Different from peacemaking and peacekeeping, peacebuilding takes a longer period to transform the cultural, social and structural problems on the macro level as well as to change behaviours, perceptions and perspectives of individuals on the micro level. This article attempts to disclose the characteristics of intergroup conflict in an urban congregation in the UK to describe its serious intensity by analysing its nature and scale. Furthermore, it demonstrates how the conflict transformation approach, as a long-term peacebuilding process, can be used effectively not only to alleviate intergroup conflict but also to eventually promote rehabilitation and reintegration through fostering a culture of peace.

Two Vietnam War Sermons

This chapter presents sermons by Roland B. Gittelsohn. He was notably one of the first American rabbis of a large urban congregation to condemn from the pulpit the Johnson administration's policy in Vietnam. Gittelsohn's characteristic preaching style is well reflected in the two sermons shown in this chapter. They are not notable for a florid literary style, purple passages, or rhetorical flourishes; nothing in the sermons would be considered evidence of great ‘oratory’. Except perhaps for the opening sentence of the first sermon, there are no melodramatic moments intended to inspire the listeners or move them to tears. The appeal of these sermons is not to the emotions but to the mind. They provide information to buttress the preacher's position: quotations not from Jewish sources but from contemporary experts. The sermons set out an argument point by point, with lucidity and cogency. The recapitulation of points already made helps the listener to recall what has been said and to follow the next step in the exposition.

’n Begronde bedieningsmodel vir die diakonia van die gemeente

A founded model for the ministry of the congregation’s diakonia. This article describes a founded model for ministry in the Reformed Church of Randburg (RCR) and the process that was followed to develop this model. The article is the last of four articles. Each of these articles describes a phase of this process, which leads to the developed model. Osmer’s model for research in Practical Theology was followed in the research. The article describes the research conducted according to the final phase (pragmatic) of Osmer’s model. The question of how practical ministry in an urban congregation such as the RCR should look like is addressed by the suggestion of a model for the ministry. This model is founded on the research results described in the previous three articles. In this article, the research question of what a founded model for ministry may look like and what the developing process entails is being answered. At first, various angles of approach to the research on ministry in congregations, is described. To accomplish this, recent literature was examined. Secondly, the points of departure in the research are stated. Thirdly, the process that the congregation followed to develop the model is described. In the fourth place, the results of the previous research on which the model is based, are summed up. Lastly, the most important aspects of the model for ministry in the congregation are described.