In recent years, the Church of England, along with other denominations, has been formulating strategies for handling church conflict more constructively. In this complex field, mediation is becoming more widely used as an option. At present, a number of dioceses are working on setting up some sort of system for using mediators. There is no agreed template, but there are common issues that need to be faced: finding the right people, deciding when and how it is appropriate to use them, and so on.

It is a good moment to be sharing lessons learned from experience. Making Mediation Work is a full-day consultation, designed to provide a forum for discussion of the issues faced in establishing a diocesan mediation service.

The day is being organised by Bridge Builders: we are a service run by the London Mennonite Centre, and we have more than a decade of experience in mediating church disputes and training mediators. Of those we have trained, a number have positions of responsibility (lay and ordained) in the Church of England, and some have been key figures in advocating the value of mediation in the life of the church.

Programme and Format

The programme runs from 10.00 a.m. (coffee on arrival from 9.45) to 4.15 p.m on Wednesday, 6 May 2009. Lunch is provided, along with refreshments mid-morning and afternoon.

The consultation aims to:

• Highlight key challenges that need to be faced
There is a gear-change in moving from occasional and informal use of mediation to something more systematic.

• Share experience and promote partnerships
There is a variety of initiatives on the go, or in the pipeline: from growing pools/networks/teams of mediators to establishing formal mediation services. Things are happening at diocesan, inter-diocesan and ecumenical levels.

• Help establish guidelines for good practice
There is a growing body of practical wisdom on: recruiting, training and supervising mediators; referral systems; liaison with other diocesan systems.

• Discern how Bridge Builders can help in future
To some extent we have been able to act as a catalyst. We want to see how we can best assist in further developments.

A significant part of the consultation will consist of structured group work. Discussions will be prompted by presentations from:
• Alastair McKay, Director of Bridge Builders
• Canon Judy Hunt, Director of Ministry & Mission, Diocese of Chester
• Revd Steve Mansfield, Co-ordinator of Chester Diocesan Mediation Service

There will also be opportunities for question and response, and networking.

Who Should Come?
We would like to have participants from as many dioceses as possible. It is “movers and shakers” we want to bring together: this is not a conference for people who simply want to know a bit more about mediation in general. Please apply if you already have a role in promoting mediation within a diocese, or if you are going to be getting the ball rolling.

You are also welcome to attend if you have a similar role in another denomination. Some of the discussions will focus on issues particular to the Church of England, but principles of good practice will apply more widely.

Venue
The consultation is being held at the Guy Chester Centre in Muswell Hill, London N10 1PR (see www.chestercentre.org.uk). There is free parking nearby, and the Centre is on main bus routes, with the nearest tube stations (East Finchley and Highgate or Bounds Green) about a mile away.

Overnight accommodation will be available at the Centre for the nights of 5 and/or 6 May, if you book well ahead – but please arrange that directly by contacting Alison Campbell, the bookings manager (bookings@chestercentre.org.uk or 020 8883 8204). Rates are £49 single / £37 shared, for evening meal plus B&B; or £44 single / £33 shared, for just B&B. (Please mention which conference you are attending when booking).

How to Book
The cost for the consultation is £60 (or £50 if you are a member of Bridge Builders’ Network). To apply, please download and complete the booking form and send it with a cheque payable to Bridge Builders to:

Alastair McKay
Director of Bridge Builders
14 Shepherds Hill
London N6 5AQ

50% of the fee is refundable up to four weeks before the date of the consultation. Thereafter there can be no refunds.

For the full brochure, click here.