The mission of the Healthy Relations Team is to help resolve conflict situations within our community while keeping our congregation whole and healthy.  Here are some background ideas about conflict:

• We recognize that development of relationship skills for resolving conflicts and deepening empathy for others is a part of spiritual growth.
• Conflict is a normal and predictable part of our humanity.
• Conflict is an opportunity to learn more about fellow congregants and for each person to share more about themselves.
• Understanding and truth come from dialogue.
• Dealing with conflict helps people feel more connected and competent.
• A church is a place of refuge.  Dealing with conflict in a healthy way helps congregants trust that the church is a good part of their lives.

 

The Healthy Relations Team provides education about conflict resolution and helps congregants solve conflicts themselves.  The team offers discussion sessions where attendees can practice listening skills while exploring important topics.  Other activities of the team include writing articles for the Domelight and presenting ideas about healthy relations at Sunday services.  The members of the team have been trained in a conflict resolution process called Restorative Circles, which teaches the use of listening skills to reach new solutions to problems.

The current members of the HRT are Ed Benedict, Kim McDonald, Kim Robe, Doris Ryan (chairperson), Mary Wolgemuth, and Karen Zindell.

 

If you would like to learn more about Restorative Circles or think you might need assistance from the HRT, please contact the team at healthyrelations@uutampa.org.

To read past Domelight articles about actions that block empathy, click here.