Our Monthly Spiritual Themes guide our Chalice Circles, which are small, intentional groups of members and friends that gather for spiritual enrichment through personal sharing. For more information on Chalice Circles, please email Linda Benson at chalicecircles@uuprinceton.org. Our Chalice Circle thoughts and questions around the theme of Reconciliation this month are:

“Reconciliation is to understand both sides; to go to one side and describe the suffering being endured by the other side, and then go to the other side and describe the suffering being endured by the first side.” ⎯ Thich Nhat Hanh

What does reconciliation mean for you?

 

“There is no reconciliation until you recognize the dignity of the other, until you see their view- you have to enter into the pain of the people. You’ve got to feel their need.” ⎯ John M. Perkins

Have you seen any event where people were reconciled by recognizing the dignity of the other and seeing the other’s views? Can you describe it? 

 

“I remain convinced that most human conflicts can be solved through genuine dialogue conducted with a spirit of openness and reconciliation.” ⎯ Dalai Lama

Do you agree with this statement? Have you witnessed a time/or experienced a time when a conflict was unable to be solved through peaceful dialogue? 

 

“Emphasize reconciliation, not resolution. It is unrealistic to expect everyone to agree about everything. Reconciliation focuses on the relationship, while resolution focuses on the problem. When we focus on reconciliation, the problem loses significance and often becomes irrelevant.” ⎯ Rick Warren

Have you experienced a time when you felt there was resolution but not reconciliation? Can you describe that experience?