Practicing Peace

“Practicing Peace invites us to consider the why, the what and the how of Christ-like leadership. Michael Wood’s wisdom for living and leading non-violently comes from his deep practice of and reflection on collaborative ministry. He asks good questions and explains tough concepts with great images and stories; weaving together insights from scripture, politics, movies, psychology, theology and popular culture, calling us to collaboration and restorative justice.





It is a hopeful, helpful and positive expression of Christian love in action. In the midst of increasing tensions and hostilities it is a gift.” -The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO, Anglican Archbishop of Perth





“By ‘joining the dots’ of the head, heart, and hands of peacemaking, Michael Wood offers not only a vision of the church as an instrument of peace but a way to enact this vision in the complex conditions of everyday life. Grounded in a beautiful and accessible theology of the world newly visible in Christ, this book inspires and empowers us to participate in the shalom of God. What could be more timely or important?”


—Sarah Bachelard, Director, Benedictus Contemplative Church





“Wood deftly traces the insights flowing from a Christ-centered account of God, through a church that is spiritually resourced through contemplation and prayer, to engagements with a violent world by way of a patient enactment of peace. . . . The result is a gift to the confused, a challenge to the compromised, and a balm to the weary—in short, a light in a dark place. A book to read, ponder, discuss, enact, and treasure.”


—Douglas A. Campbell, The Divinity School, Duke University





“In a world rife with navel-gazing contemplatives and red-eyed activists, Michael Wood joins his voice to a growing minority report of peacemakers whose work is rooted in inner transformation. I’m grateful for his synthesis of cruciform theology, peacemaking, and compassionate engagement.”


—Bradley Jersak, St. Stephen’s University





“Thank you to Michael Wood for making a significant contribution to the continuously expanding, self-organizing experiment of Open Space and the practice of peace—which seem to be needed now as much as ever.


—Harrison Owen, author of Open Space Technology: A User’s Guide