Ottawa Diocesan Centre for Peacemaking

Creating a culture of peace

Since early 2008 a group of Anglicans (laity and clergy) has been meeting monthly at Church of the Ascension as part of the Ottawa Diocesan Centre for Peacemaking (ODCP). Discussions, usually over a shared meal of soup, are wide ranging.

The Centre's vision is to build on our own theological, ecclesial and biblical traditions and to develop practical skills based on spiritual disciplines such as hospitality, prayer and reflecting on the word of God.

Members have experience in conflict studies, adult education, international peace and disarmament, social justice, law, communications and theology. We share a common goal of following the path of the nonviolent Jesus.

One of the Centre's projects has been a training program in conflict mediation for clergy, based on the work of Canadian philosopher Bernard Lonergan. What is unique about this approach is that it understands conflict as a learning process for the parties involved, rather than simply a problem to be solved.

Believing also that a vocation of the church in society is to be a prophetic voice for peace and justice, the Centre submitted resolutions on nuclear disarmament to Synod and General Synod-both of them adopted.

Just peace (Debbie Grisdale, November 2011)

Is war compatible with Christianity? (Paul Robinson, November 2010)

Contact Debbie Grisdale


↑ top