Reconciliation is the mission of the Church; and reconciliation is not the absence of conflict but rather the navigation of it. When approached with skill and grounded in Christ’s love, conflict is a healthy process through which we fully encounter our neighbor, we learn about ourselves, and ultimately leads to unity amidst difference. In this course, you will learn concrete skills and tools that help keep conflict healthy and safe. You will also explore the spiritual practices which form the bedrock of this work. Over the seven weeks, you will be asked to read, listen, reflect, and practice skills.
Instructor: Alex Leach is currently a Priest-in-Charge at St. Luke’s in Woodland, CA. But before becoming a priest, Alex worked extensively in the field of conflict navigation. He ran a private coaching business for seven and a half years that focused on conflict communication skills. He also worked for five to six years for an agency in Sacramento called Relationship Skills Center. This Center offered free classes on conflict navigation skills to low-income individuals and families. Alex is excited about exploring the lessons that behavioral psychology and research on healthy communication skills can offer in conversation with our faith and church contexts.