About the Book

Building Dialogue is intended as an aide to inter-contextual analysis of conflict and practices of peace. This book emerges from inter-cultural relationships and discernment. Based on a three-year effort by a community of scholars and practitioners from across the Anglican Communion who reflected on the nature of conflict in relation to Christian visions of peace.

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“If ever there was a time to reflect on peacemaking and ways to accomplish it, it is in our day of political, cultural polarization, and a new threat of Empire expansion and global destruction. Richly theological and wonderfully practical, Building Dialogue offers the wisdom of grassroots peacebuilders who not only share their peacemaking experiences but provide concrete models for reconciliation in other situations of conflict.”

— Stephen B. Bevans, SVD, Louis J. Luzbetak, SVD Professor of Mission and Culture, Emeritus, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago.

Building Dialogue is an embodied analysis and reflection on conflict and peacebuilding, with a particular emphasis on Africa and Palestine. Each of the contributors writes from within a specific context, of specific forms of conflict, and about specific processes of peacebuilding. However, their common Anglican identity, their shared embrace of scripture, and their commitment to inter-contextual, inter-cultural, and inter-textual dialogue – profoundly racticed in the book’s “Conclusion” – demonstrate that dialogue is indeed possible across particularity. The book is rich in biblical, theological, and practical resources for the many others of us who yearn to build peace through building dialogue.

— Gerald West, Professor Emeritus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

“This is a compelling read that provides not only a Scriptural basis but also narrates the painful realities of the lived experience of the need for reconciliation. This collection of accessible articles from varied contexts around the Anglican Communion presents theological insights and practical suggestions to help any individual or community wanting to work towards peace and reconciliation.”

— Canon Dr. Cathy Ross Ph.D, Pioneer Mission Training Lead, Church Mission Society, Oxford.

Building Dialogue provides readers with a basic course in peacebuilding, showing why doing this work in places of conflict is theologically necessary, demonstrating how it has led to change where that seemed impossible, and providing instruction for individuals and groups seeking to take up this work in their own contexts. Even more, it actually performs the kind of dialogue it advocates, being the result of years of active dialogue across difference and bringing together voices expressing numerous perspectives from regions throughout the globe. Anyone wishing to bring about a more peaceful world through dialogue will learn something helpful from this highly readable volume—and will be inspired by it, too.

— Scott MacDougall, Associate Professor of Theology, Church Divinity School of the Pacific, and author of The Shape of Anglican Theology: Faith Seeking Wisdom.

By thoughtfully weaving in scripture, experience, and practice in peacebuilding, Building Dialogue offers a fresh Christian perspective on the significance of pursuing reconciliation, restoration of trust and healing of broken communities. Offering powerful practical insights, Building Dialogue not only captures the challenges and frustrations of peacebuilding in complex conflict situations, but takes us on a hope-filled pilgrimage towards Shalom.

— The Rev. Canon Dr. Anderson H.M. Jeremiah, Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion, Lancaster University.