north america

Alongside John Paul's extensive international experience, he has been involved in numerous peacebuilding and mediation initiatives in his home context of North America. He served as director of the Mennonite Conciliation Service, and in that capacity contributed as a mediator and consultant with a range of organizations including nonprofits, religious organizations, and universities. In a training and education capacity, John Paul has designed and led trainings, courses, and programs on peacebuilding and conflict transformation for institutions across the region. The content in this section includes a range of resources, including books, interviews, blog posts, and more, in which John Paul offers insights regarding peacebuilding within the North American context and between the United States and the global community.

The Heart of Reconciliation: A Conversation with John Paul Lederach

A conversation that explores John Paul's work, dynamics of conflict in congregational and church settings, and the centrality of reconciliation to the Christian life.

Making Our Way Back to Humanity: Beyond September 11

A chapter reflecting on the significance and impact of the events of September 11, 2001, for the world of peacebuilding a year after they transpired.

The Paradox of Popular Justice: A Practitioner’s View

A reflection highlighting the authors' tensions around the concepts of popular, justice, community, and empowerment and an inside view and assessment of the success and potential of the movement toward popular justice.

John Paul Lederach on Peacebuilding Through Relationship & Common Connection

A conversation with Gina Baleria about the moral imagination and the importance of relationship building across perceived divides in contexts of conflict.

The Art of Peacebuilding: Haiku, Accompaniment, and Courageous Love

John Paul and Serena Bian share a conversation on topics including the inner dimensions of peacebuilding, intergenerational and collective trauma and healing, and spiritual sustenance for long-term engagement in social change.

Peace Building in a Polarized Public Health Landscape

A conversation with John Paul and David Addis share strategies for building relationships, restoring trustworthiness, and fostering solutions-oriented conversations to bridge ideological gaps in polarized contexts.

Circles and Pollination: A New Way to Engage Conflict

A conversation exploring the power of presence, story, deep listening, and collective empathy in transforming conflict.

Better Communication for Better Health: A Conversation with Dr. John Paul Lederach

A conversation exploring how to apply the principles of peacebuilding to public health communications in settings of conflict and polarization.

Peace Podcast Episode 163: John Paul Lederach

A conversation about pocket imagination, conflict transformation, and the moral imagination in the context of peacebuilding in the United States.