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Balm for souls in church disputes

A new conflict management course, intended to train church leaders to resolve disputes without triggering schisms or rifts, is being launched.

Those behind the Cambridge University course say it comes about because church authorities do not handle these issues well and disputes can lead to resentment between parishioners and clergy.

Dr Sara Savage, a senior researcher who has developed the course with researcher Dr Eolene Boyd-Mac-Millan, said: "Conflict is generally not handled well within the Church. That can apply to minor, everyday disputes at the congregational level, just as much as it can apply to sweeping and contentious issues, such as the Church's stance on climate change.

"Even minor disagreements can leave church members in a state of bitterness and resentment that jeopardises spiritual growth among believers and standing in the community.

"Worse, instead of the churches being contexts for grace and loving challenge, they can become arenas for bullying, blaming and scape-goating.

"Without a structured approach, the tensions underlying conflicts tend to build and develop the potential to leave people deeply wounded and to tear churches apart."

Invitations to take part in the initial sessions are being sent to senior leaders of the Anglican, Baptist, Church of Scotland, Methodist, Roman Catholic and United Reformed traditions.

Full story at the Cambridge Evening News.