Conflict is, unfortunately, inevitable. Not in every circumstance, of course, but in too many, individuals become conflicted about a situation occurring between them. Individuals can take personal responsibility for doing all in their power to resolve disputes with other people. Our goal is to move from conflict to peace.

The goal of Faith-based Mediation is to bring individuals involved in dispute into a safe place, a neutral place, where circumstances and grievances may be expressed with the ultimate goal of resolving the dispute/conflict in a manner satisfying all parties. Hopefully, this resolution can mend broken relationships and bring peace into individuals' lives where there was little to none, associated with the current conflict.

When we are in conflict, the wrong against us may seem greater than our own wrong, but we are called to be peacemakers…we are charged with making peace from the conflict. 

• What is Conflict?
  • mariancrc.org defines conflict as: some sort of friction, disagreement or discord.
    • Conflict is inevitable
    • Often, conflict is rooted in lack of communication and understanding. 
    • Conflict creates trauma
    • Conflict creates trauma when that conflict is expressed through anger. Anger can then intensify when it remains unresolved, which can then lead to trauma when it is expressed. 
    • Conflict can be positive and serve a useful purpose
    • Conflict can cause people to consider alternate ideas which can then lead to alternate solutions to problems. Further, conflict can help parties express their emotions and communicate their feelings, which is key in understanding how to resolve a conflict.  
• You Can Move from conflict to peace!
  • • In Faith-Based Mediation you can 
      • Find peaceful resolutions to your conflict and  
      • Mend broken relationships, thus allowing you to live in peace.
  • In Faith-Based Mediation
    • You will move toward resolving conflict bringing parties closer together
    • You can confront your own offenses against others; repenting of your infractions against one another.

What to expect in Mediation:

• Confidentiality.
• All participants are considered equal in expressing opinions and solutions. 
• A naturally meek person is provided opportunity to speak up without fear of reprisal.
• ​Remember, this is a neutral place. All are encouraged to participate freely and without repercussion. 

What can you do to prepare for the Mediation process?

• Accept that a person’s wrong against you may seem greater than your own wrong, but you can be peacemakers. 
• Move forward with an attitude of humility and grace to reach peace and reconciliation. 
• Accept that every man and woman commits infractions…everyone.
• Endeavor to see the conflict from the other person’s viewpoint to help resolve issues.
• Accept your own role in the dispute.
• Take responsibility to reach a mutually agreeable solution.
• Confront your own offenses against others and repent of your infractions.

Logistics of Mediation:

• You each meet separately with the mediators to express your side of the conflict.
  • During this first meeting, you will discuss your role in the dispute, how you propose to reach resolution and productive reconciliation.
• After your individual meetings, parties will come together to work together to reach resolution.
• Relational reconciliation is more important than getting your own way in a dispute. 

Conclusion

•     Written Agreement
•     Process for modifying the agreement if needed​

                St. Francis of Assisi puts it this way:
    
    “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
    Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
    where there is injury, pardon;
​    where there is doubt, faith;
    where there is despair, hope;
    where there is darkness, light;
    and where there is sadness, joy.


    O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
    to be consoled as to console;
    to be understood as to understand;
    to be loved as to love.
    For it is in giving that we receive;
    it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
    and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.


    Amen.”