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.

Practicing Compassion in Churchwide Disagreements

Observations and thoughts emergent from a request from the Mountain States Mennonite Conference as they considered the request to ordain a pastor in a same-sex relationship.

Becoming the Enemy

Stories and reflections woven in the development of a practical theology of the enemy.

The Peace Professor

An article offering a glimpse into John Paul's practice of peacebuilding in La Pedregosa, Colombia.

Facing the Oka Crisis: A Conflict Resolution Perspective

Observations and suggestions for how the Oka Crisis might be understood emergent from the Autumn 1990 armed standoff between Mohawks and the Quebec and Canadian governments.

Missionaries Facing Conflict and Violence: Problems and Prospects

A chapter exploring the challenges of missionaries facing situations of violence and conflict, the paradox of being faithful and being human.

“In Conversation”: John Paul and Gladys Ganiel

A conversation at the 2021 4 Corners Festival reflecting on peacebuilding and conflict transformation through John Paul's career past and present.

Entrevista a John Paul Lederach por Rolando Luque Mogrovejo

An interview by Rolando Luque Mogrovejo on the occasion of the XI Congreso Mundial de Mediación y I Congreso Nacional para la Construcción de la Paz held in Lima, Perú in September 2015.

In Conversation with Toni Shapiro-Phim

An interview with Toni Shapiro-Phim on the occasion of John Paul's receipt of the Joseph B. and Toby Gittler Prize at Brandeis University.

The Mediators: Views from the Eye of the Storm Vol. 1

An interview with Robert D. Benjamin for the film "The Mediators: Views from the Eye of the Storm" in which John Paul discusses formative and professional experiences from Belgium, the United States, and Central America.