faith-inspired peacebuilding

John Paul's work as a peacebuilding professional and academic has formative spiritual roots from his upbringing in the Mennonite tradition, found determinative mentorship with Quaker peacemakers, and deepened his contemplative impulses through significant Buddhist relationships. Faith-inspired peacebuilding, as he has come to understand it, exists at the convergence of spirituality and creativity. His engagement opens into the rich and complex pathways of religion, conflict, and interreligious peacebuilding. Faith-inspired has an inclusive quality, suggesting respectful engagement of diverse formative roots and the unfolding potential for creativity. The content in this section ranges from descriptions of religiously based initiatives to reflections into his own spiritual practices.

Hesston Presidential Inaugural Address

An address provided for the inauguration of Dr. Howard Keim as President of Hesston College in 2005.

Reflections from a Journey of Faith

A sermon shared at the Boulder Mennonite Church sharing stories and confessions in reflection on a journey of faith.

Reconciliation: At the Heart of God’s Mission

The acceptance speech for the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints (RLDS) International Peace Award at the RLDS World Conference of 2000.

Developing the Capacity to Birth Something New

An interview in contribution to the Leadership Conference of Women Religious Winter 2020 issue of Occasion Papers entitled Leading with the Moral Imagination.

Making Space for Peace: John Paul Lederach on Mediation

An interview by Amy Frykholm for The Christian Century on topics including mediation, funding, and spiritual sustenance.

Transforming enmity: 9/11: Ten years later

A reflection published by The Christian Century on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Justice and a Just War

An episode of On Being with Krista Tippett exploring three varied perspectives on how such questions are alive and evolving today, and how they might inform our approach to the conflict in Afghanistan and the peace we would like to achieve beyond it.

From table to termites: A conversation with Mennonite peacebuilder John Paul Lederach

A excerpts from a conversation discussing contemporary Mennonite peace witness with Sarah and Jonathan Nahar.

Change from Within

A brief reflection on the process required to mobilize, support, and uplift people best positioned to transform the sources of extremism.