Talk about conflict resolution
What does it take to resolve a conflict peacefully? Students of different faiths around the globe weigh in.
Sometimes crises, or conflicts, are part of our path to becoming truly humane. Finding peaceful solutions to conflicts takes effort; it requires continual personal development. If I don't constantly think about what I've done to another — good or bad — then it will hardly be possible for me to think about how conflicts between other people can be resolved, or ones that involve me.
Viola Ehm, 18
Freiburg, Germany
I think that the ingredients for peaceful conflict resolution are to love God and to love your neighbor.
Enrique Villalpando, 23
Mexico City. Mexico
To make peace in the world, we need to start by making peace at home with our parents and with our friends — by helping them, and not responding when little quarrels start. For example, I help at home by setting the table, and I try not to yell at my sister.
Solene Roux, 17
Clamart, France
Where there are conflicts, there are different opinions. In such cases, one or both sides have to give in, or compromise. Even if both parties believe they are right, they must never use violence. Always try to find the peaceful solution.
Rafael Accorsi, 27
Porto Alegre, Brazil
con • flict — n. 1 a fight or struggle, war; 2 sharp disagreement or opposition, as of interests or ideas; clash; 3 emotional disturbance resulting from a clash of opposing impulses or from inability to reconcile impulses with realistic or moral considerations. — Webster's New World College Dictionary
God gave each of us, like He gave Solomon, wisdom and understanding, which are the tools for peaceful resolution to conflict.
Sephora Johnston, 19
Queensland, Australia
In order to resolve any disagreement peacefully, it's important to take a calm, peaceful posture. I would trust God to help me make the right decision, and then I'd do what I believe is right.
Earlier this year I was heading to the university. Beforehand, I went to pay some taxes. I put the change from my tax payment in the bag where I carry my school things. On my way to the university, a boy tried to rob me, threatening me with a piece of glass. He said, “Give me some money, or I will cut you.” I refused insistently to give him the money, until he went away. When I arrived at the university, I took a moment to calm myself, and I was able to find peace. I thanked God because I knew that He had protected me. It wasn't a matter of chance. Perhaps skeptics would think so, but I know that this was a sign of God's care. With God's help, any conflict can be resolved peacefully.
Juan Manuel Jara, 20
Buenos Aires, Argentina
The first tool for resolving a conflict is dialogue. All conflicts are resolved through listening and accepting others’ differences. We don't all think in the same way. We don't all have the same objectives, but we can all come to an agreement and understand each other through mediation, in the broadest sense of the word.
Norberto Martin Suarez, 21
Buenos Aires. Argentina
I feel peace [between people of different faiths] is totally attainable. But people need to understand what respect is. Respecting another person's religion doesn't mean agreeing with it. It's more about understanding how they feel. I don't hate someone who doesn't agree with my beliefs. And I'm no better than another person because I have different beliefs. I think if everyone had that view, it would be the first great step to peace, because a lot of world issues are about religious differences.
Adam Deane, 18
Faurfax, Virginia, USA
For the peaceful resolution to any conflict, humility and understanding are two of the many necessary ingredients. We can attain peace by starting with ourselves.
Mildred Laruan, 19
Benguet, Philippines
The main thing is to have respect for others, whether it's a conflict at school, or in the world. Each of us has to learn not to do to others what we would not want done to us. Perhaps you can't compare a world problem with a conflict at school, but they're basically the same, since you have to learn to respect others, beginning in childhood. In my own life, for example, I try each day not to lie. If I have a problem with someone, I speak to them, and I say what I honestly think.
Analia do Carmo, 20
Buenos Aires, Argentina
I think the main ingredient in making peace is empathy. We need to know how other people feel and where they're coming from. Then we will be more likely to live in harmony and peace.
Geoffrey Hills, 18
Portland, Oregon, USA
More forgiveness is needed in the world. It may be difficult to forgive someone who has wronged us. But life would get difficult if we had to live with hate and malice toward someone. Forgiveness can avert ugly situations like tensions, conflicts, and wars, and help restore peace and harmony. It brings healing and promotes brotherly love.
Sonaal Pannu, 20
Chandigarh, India
I think that you need hope — hope that you can solve the conflict. Then, a lot of patience and persistence are necessary. Good solutions sometimes need a lot of time.
Dorothee Hiebsch, 22
Georgenthal, Germany
Love is the main ingredient for the peaceful resolution of any conflict. If you have love for God, it means you have love for other creatures in the world, like your neighbors. And if you have love for others, even though someone does this or that to you, you forgive them, and no conflict forms.
Joseph A. Gaddo, 18
Baguio City, Philippines
