Foundations for Christian Peacebuilding
a 2-week mini-school exploring peace, justice, and reconciliation
June 8-20, 2025
&
October 12-24, 2025
The Foundations for Christian Peacebuilding school gathers people from diverse backgrounds around some of life’s hardest realities to ask, what is the Good News here? Together we will explore how the story of the Bible and the life of Jesus speak to the very real hurt of our world. The vision of Christian Peacebuilding empowers us to build bridges, heal wounds, and confront injustice. There is an opportunity here to begin (or continue) the journey of uncovering God’s message of hope to all people at all times.
What does the gospel have to say to issues like extreme poverty, war, injuistice, and broken relationships?
What does God’s vision of a reconciled world look like and how do we get there?
What part can you play in it all?
The School
These 2 weeks aim to provide you with teachings, resources, and experiences to formulate a fresh framework for understanding what the gospel of peace means for us in our world today.
Some highlights of the school include:
Educational day-trips to Belfast and Holy Cross Abbey
Coaching in spiritual disciplines for your daily life
Workshops to help create personal vision for peacebuilding
Biblical foundations of the gospel of reconciliation
Exploring restorative justice practices
Intentional discussion groups meeting regularly together
Optional one-on-one processing times with staff
A diverse list of speakers from various ministries and perspectives involved in reconciliation work
Spaces of connection and ministry times with one another
Some Classroom Topics Include:
The Restorative Narrative of Scripture
Conflict Analysis and Resolution
The Call of Non-violence as Resistance
Interpersonal Skills for Peacebuilding
The Humanity of Jesus
Eccumenism and Church Unity
The Inner Work of a Peacemaker
Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Peacebuilding as a Paradigm for Missions
Meet the Factilitators
Scott Sotomayor
Scott is originally from the USA but has spent the last 10 years living and working with YWAM An Cuan, including taking on his role as base director in 2021. He is married to Yasmine and has a son, Mateo, and daughter, Linnea.
Over the last decade Scott has led discipleship training schools, worked with refugee communities, led worship times, and taught in various programs around the world. He is passionate about deepening our understanding of Jesus’ teachings and furthering Christ’s ministry of reconciliation in all areas of life and society.
Alyssa Luzaich
Alyssa, originally from Northern California, has spent the last 13 years living in various parts of the world, serving with YWAM. Over the past decade, she has had the opportunity to start several businesses in photography and design while also being involved with Discipleship Training Schools in Kona, Hawaii, a place that has become a second home to her.
In 2023, Alyssa felt called to move to Northern Ireland, convinced that a holistic understanding of the gospel is essential for a sustainable relationship with God. She saw An Cuan as the ideal place to help bring this message to life. She is convinced that God speaks into every area of our lives—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. With this perspective, Alyssa is excited to contribute to An Cuan’s media and market and to collaborate in launching programs that help others to understand the gospel of reconciliation and its significance in today's world.
Costs
£400/per person*
Includes meals, accommodation, and seminar costs starting with a welcome dinner on Sunday and ending with dinner on Friday
Additional nights can be arranged depending on availability.
If you have any questions about this seminar, please reach out to us at programming@ywamancuan.org
*If finances are an issue, please reach out to us to discuss options for attending.
FAQs
-
Our YWAM base in Rostrevor has many guest rooms that we use for hospitality purposes. They are private rooms with dormitory style shared bathrooms and showers. All bedding will be provided.
-
Yes, our accommodations can house families no problem. We can also offer separate pricing based on your situation by reaching out to us at registrar@ywamancuan.org. However, we cannot offer any childcare during the seminar.
-
Closer to the date of the seminar, we will be sending out a more detailed itinerary for your time here. Please look out for that in your email inbox. If you have any specific questions, please email us at registrar@ywamancuan.org
-
We recommend flying into Dublin airport as there is an easy airport bus from the airport to Newry Buscentre. Belfast International or Belfast City airports are also possible. From Newry you are able to either take a local bus or taxi to An Cuan about a 20-minute drive away.
-
Yes, if you’d like to join without accommodation or food, please let us know during registration or reach out to us via email.