The message of reconciliation lies at the center of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our world yearns for God’s reconciliation. Joining this redeeming work, we are called to a journey of transformation and reconciliation as we serve the church, the academy, and society at large. In this spirit, we are committed to cultivate a theology and best practices for conflict transformation, justpeace, and reconciliation. We work with students, academic programs, and initiatives at Duke University and with international partners to address needs in their own contexts.

Opening spaces where the vision, language, and practices of reconciliation and transformation can be nurtured.

Upcoming Events

Join us for workshops, lectures, institutes and more.
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Tue, Apr 16, 2024 | 7 - 9pm | Online (Zoom)

Institute of the Americas for Transformation and Reconciliation

The Institute of the Americas offers an opportunity for interdisciplinary theological and contextual formation around transformation and reconciliation.

Tue, Apr 30, 2024 | 7 - 9pm | Online (Zoom)

Institute of the Americas for Transformation and Reconciliation

The Institute of the Americas offers an opportunity for interdisciplinary theological and contextual formation around transformation and reconciliation.

Wed, May 15, 2024 | 8am - Fri, May 17, 2024 | 8pm | Duke Divinity School

Summer Institute for Reconciliation

The Summer Institute for Reconciliation will center on content with a biblical vision of reconciliation that inspires the transformation of communities and relationships. Church leaders will learn frameworks of reconciliation that are practical, contextual, and theological. 

Reflection and Workshops

Summer Institute for Reconciliation

The CFR sponsors the annual Summer Institute for Reconciliation that brings scholars, students, community members, church leaders, and leaders of faith-based organizations to the Duke Divinity campus for an intensive weeklong institute on reconciliation. The program combines plenary speakers, round-table issues panels, seminars, and ecumenical worship to create a space to grow together as scholars and practitioners of reconciliation. 

Learn More about summer institute
Man and woman talking

Certificate in Conflict Transformation and Reconciliation

Hybrid Program for Pastors and Lay Leaders

The 15-month non-degree program, facilitated by leading scholars and practitioners in the fields of conflict transformation and reconciliation, provides a timely learning opportunity for pastors and lay leadership seeking theological and practical skills to foster reconciliation in their congregations and surrounding communities.

Learn More about the certificate

Student Programs

Formation and Training

The CFR runs several student programs to develop students’ understanding of the theology and practice of reconciliation. These include an advanced spiritual formation group, workshops/trainings, pilgrimages, and the CFR Fellows program. Faculty also teach a number of courses related to reconciliation.

Learn More about student programs
Students listening to lecture in Goodson Chapel; featuring a student in tan plaid shirt

International Partner Initiatives

The CFR, working not only in the United States but also in international settings, has collaborated in programs that bring Christians from across the world to specific regions that have experienced pain and conflict. Together, they share theological scholarship and build relationships in order to discern ways to bring about reconciliation.
African Great Lakes Initiatives
African Great Lakes Initiatives
The mission of the Great Lakes Initiative (GLI) is to mobilize restless Christian leaders from across the Great Lakes region of Africa, create a space for their transformation, and empower them to participate in God’s mission of reconciliation in their own communities, organizations, and nations. 
Northeast Asia Reconciliation Initiative
Northeast Asia Reconciliation Initiative
The Northeast Asia Reconciliation Initiative is an emerging community of Christian leaders from Northeast Asia and the U.S. seeking to embody God’s vision of reconciliation. The initiative is a theological fueling station to inspire, form, and support practitioners, church leaders, and educators and scholars from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, and the U.S.
The Americas Initiative For Transformation and Reconciliation
The Americas Initiative For Transformation and Reconciliation
The Americas Initiative for Transformation and Reconciliation (AITR) is a regional program started in 2020 by Duke’s Center for Reconciliation (CFR) that aims to network, educate, and transform Christian leaders from across the Americas to work for just peace and transformation. 

CFR News

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hands holding a cross
January 15, 2021
New Certificate Program on Immigration and Racialized Policing Issues
In a partnership with Sojourners and two faith-based groups, CFR launches a non-degree certificate program to equip NC-based Latinx and African American pastors, ministry leaders, and their congregations to respond effectively.
A participant in the summer institute stands up to ask a question
January 29, 2020
Summer Institute for Reconciliation Alumni Organize Racial Reconciliation Summit
The Summer Institute for Reconciliation inspired Durham participants to engage both the church and community in racial reconciliation efforts.
students pose together
February 27, 2019
Students Engage with Reconciliation at Leadership Institute in Uganda
Five Divinity School students attended the ninth annual Great Lakes Initiative leadership institute in Kampala, Uganda, on Jan. 6-11, 2019.