It’s clear that First Church members are determined to improve the congregational culture, judging from the strong response to the Restorative Circle process of resolving conflict. Restorative Circles consultant Sarah-Elizabeth Anderson led 9 events over 12 days in July-September.
Eighty members attended three 2-hour introductory sessions including one evening with a family dinner and childcare. Thirty-three members attended the 3-day facilitator training. Twenty-one members participated in an intense 4-day Restorative Circle to delve into divisiveness over separated members attending a memorial service. Two Sunday worship services drew about 125 in-person attendees and another 208 on-line on YouTube. The Board and Right Relations also held two meetings with the consultant.
First Church is adopting Restorative Circles to modify our church’s 180-year culture of conflict that has a pattern of questioning ministerial authority triggering departures of several ministers and significant divisions among members.
Unlike other conflict resolution techniques, such as mediation, Restorative Circles emphasize deep listening in a way that preserves relationships because everyone feels heard. Restorative Circle techniques can be used anywhere there is a controversy, not just among congregations, such as families, relatives, friends, coworkers, employees, boards, etc. It’s especially effective for deep personal hurt and also for discussing complex sensitive issues, such as racism, oppression, privilege, and me-first rights versus we-first responsibilities.
Right Relations Committee
Rozy Park