Jesus is clear that it is the peacemakers who are blessed, and this is what his disciples are to be. But Christians have disagreed for centuries as to just what it means to be a peacemaker. Does it mean that Christians are obligated to refuse the use of all violence? Does it allow for participation …
View course details “Violence, War, and Christian Peacemaking”

Civil discourse is a critical part of engaging in our civic life together, as it can help us to bridge partisan political divides, learn from one another, and create better solutions to the problems in our communities. But what is civil discourse? Is it different from civility? Based on the online class created by The …
View course details “Make Me an Instrument of Peace: Civil Discourse Training”

“The success of an intervention depends on the interior condition of the intervener.” (William O’Brien) Is this true? If it is, it could be read to say, “The success of a church depends on the interior condition of its leadership.” How are we as leaders (whether paid or lay) – attending to our interior journeys …
View course details “Ministry from the Inside Out”

This course is an opportunity to learn from the story and theological writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Confessing Church of the mid-20th century in Germany. In the context of the struggle for faithfulness in the midst of the Nazi era, we will learn how Bonhoeffer’s theological commitments flowed into his spirituality and political resistance. …
View course details “Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Spirituality of Confessing Christ & Resisting Tyranny”

This course outlines the theoretical and pedagogical framework utilized in Fearless Dialogues community conversations to create unique spaces for unlikely partners to engage in hard, heartfelt conversations.  Particular attention will be given to the life and work of 20th and 21st century faith leaders, who equally value the epistemic quality of theory, community engagement, and …
View course details “Fearless Dialogues in Church & Community”

Our sense of “being” is grounded in a healthy self-esteem and satisfaction with our lives. These can be burdened by our feeling wounded with hidden grief and mourning. Today’s uncertainty and anxiety make it even more difficult for us to engage in self-care, and to theologically frame our understanding of self-care as something positive and …
View course details “Living a Life of Forgiving: Honoring the Life, Ministry and Legacy of Archbishop Desmond Tutu–Not for credit”

Each year Canadian School of Peacebuilding (CSOP), an institute of Canadian Mennonite University, invites the peacebuilders of the world to gather in Winnipeg, Canada, for a selection of courses in June. Come take a course or two for professional and personal development or for academic credit. We offer courses from local, national and international peacebuilders, …
View course details “Canadian School of Peacemaking”

with Dan Nighswander; Author, Believers Church Bible Commentary on 1 Corinthians The New Testament letters from Paul to the churches in Corinth disclose a community tested by conflicts. Though almost two millennia old, their issues are still current in (some) churches today—power, status, money, sex, worship, and spirituality. We will explore excerpts from 1 Corinthians …
View course details “1 Corinthians: Community and Conflict”

with Piet Meiring; Emeritus Professor University of Pretoria, South Africa; friend of Archbishop Tutu for almost half a century, working with him in the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, representing Desmond Tutu at the launch of the Canadian TRC in Winnipeg, teaching a CMU course. This course will provide a brief overview of the life …
View course details “The Legacy of Archbishop Desmond Tutu”

Explore hope and expose weakness in the church’s vocation to share God’s radical hospitality to all nations. Gain insight into biblical, practical ways that churches can practice racial justice in their congregation and community. Wrestle with the sin of racism and xenophobia, deal with its past and present reality in our churches, and push on …
View course details “Racial Justice and Radical Hospitality: A Biblical Approach”