Religion and Conflict Transformation Program

Boston University School of Theology was well-represented at the inaugural Shared Values lecture. Dr. townes spoke about the moral legacy of BU theology alumnus Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. Smith spoke about the moral legacy of former BU Dean Howard Thurman. And Dr. McCarty moderated the conversation. They were joined by Elie Wiesel Center director Dr. Nancy Harrowitz for a lively conversation about these BU-affiliated moral exemplars and the work of living the university’s values.

Tomorrow you'll be bombarded with Giving Tuesday requests from your favorite schools and NGOs. So, I'd like to invite you to consider donating to the Tom Porter Religion and Conflict Program (https://www.bu.edu/rct/) tonight.

We teach courses, bring in lecturers, organize conferences, consult with local churches and organizations, and provide internship opportunities for students training to be pastors, chaplains, and community organizers. Each of these opportunities are focused on developing religious and community leaders to do conflict in ways that lead to more justice and more peace.

If you're looking out at the world and see that as an urgent need, please consider supporting our work. I truly believe it's worth every cent you might contribute and every prayer you might say on our behalf. Come partner with us!

You can donate here: https://give.bu.edu/campaigns/56408/donations/new?designation_id=9200010947

(Photo Spring 2025 Recipients of the Graduate Certificate in Religion and Conflict Transformation )

The RCT Program is glad to be co-planning this event with the Faith and Ecological Justice program and several other STH faculty. Please consider participating!

"Social conflicts, economic inequalities, and environmental degradation are intertwining challenges. Impoverished regions of the world are the hardest hit, both by extractive industries that enrich other nations while degrading local environments and by anthropogenic climate change, which has impacted regions that have contributed the least with some of the earliest and most severe effects. These effects are changing not only climate and conflict but also religious practice and expression. “Ecologies of Peacemaking” will bring together scholars and practitioners situated in various contexts in the African continent to reflect on conflict and the process of peacemaking in a changing environment. Through panel presentations and discussions, this conference will consider the role of religious communities and congregations in pursuing justice with peace amidst significant social and political conflicts related to changing environments.
We welcome abstracts and session proposals from interested scholars and practitioners to present their work on these topics. We are especially interested in interdisciplinary proposals from theology, religious history, the sociology of religion, and global affairs, along with case studies and program evaluation research from community organizers and religious leaders. Expertise drawing from all regions of the globe is welcome. Areas of special interest could include, but are not limited to:
- climate-oriented action by religious groups
- ecological challenges for peacemaking efforts and initiatives
- exemplary models of theologically informed environmental restoration efforts
- historical land use practices and their theological and religious implications
- interfaith coalitions and their collaboration strategies
- ecological impacts of peace practices and movements"

We’re honored to announce the inaugural Fr. Vincent Machozi Colloquium, a new academic forum at the BU School of Theology exploring the vital intersection of climate change, environmental justice, and conflict transformation.

📅 Join us February 26–28, 2026 for this year’s theme: Ecologies of Peacemaking.

🌍 This groundbreaking event invites scholars, practitioners, and students into dialogue around ecological resilience and peacebuilding.

🔗 Learn more about Fr. Vincent Machozi, A.A. ('15), submit a session proposal, and register here:
https://www.bu.edu/sth/boston-university-school-of-theology-announces-the-inaugural-fr-vincent-machozi-colloquium/