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Reconciliation Ministries
A ministry of reconciliation has this
message as its center. But it is more.
In the midst of a conflicted world, a
ministry of reconciliation offers hope
of a new creation where justice and
peace embrace.
"Do not repay anyone evil for evil.... If
it is possible, as far as it depends on
you, live at peace with everyone.... Do
not be overcome with evil, but overcome
evil with good." (Romans 12:17, 18, 21)
National Ministries' Office of Reconciliation Ministries
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provides resources to equip churches and individuals to be a "mediating presence" in the midst of community conflicts, especially conflicts that involve ethnic or cultural differences;
- offers a basic fourteen-hour workshop with skills in analyzing social conflict, developing transformative listening capacities, and basic competency in a mediation process that can be adapted to different situations;
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works on a variety of projects, such as prison ministries and restorative justice, to help churches work towards social justice and healing;
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maintains a liaison with the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America and
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maintains denominational registry for American Baptist conscientious objectors.
RESOURCES:
Each title in the below list links to the full document.
What Shall We Then Do? A Family Freedom Kit for Creating Healing Communities (4.77 MB PDF)*
The American Baptist Resolution on Restorative Justice (8212: 11/01) calls upon American Baptists to "be builders of God's shalom in response to the crime painfully experienced in our communities ... to advocate for a restoration of relationships between victims, offenders and communities through the development of restorative justice practices."
An integral, vital dimension of such restoration is supporting families of those who are incarcerated. This support includes guidance and encouragement for maintaining grace-filled ties with family members in the hands of the criminal justice system.
National Ministries is happy to recommend the resource, "What Shall We Then Do? A Family Freedom Kit for Creating Healing Communities," that specifically addresses this need and commitment. It has been prepared by the Commission on Social Justice and Prison Ministry of the Progressive National Baptist Convention.
*This is a large file. Be prepare for a download time based on your Internet connection speed.
WEB SITES:
Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America
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