With all the sniping going on, and in hope of finding common ground, the first two Flyertakers to respond are invited as my guests (travel/lodging not included) to a one-day seminar in St. Paul on May 5th:

PEACEMAKING AND SPIRITUALITY: This seminar will examine the influence of spirituality upon the process of resolving interpersonal conflicts and making peace in the context of restorative justice within communities. Whereas conflict resolution theory and practice focuses upon a problem solving model to address the presenting dispute, peacemaking addresses conflict at a much deeper level. Peacemaking is based on a humanistic and transformative theory of conflict that draws heavily upon the ancient wisdom and practices of many diverse cultures. Within the context of these traditions, true peacemaking is inseparable from spirituality. For the purposes of this seminar, spirituality is not synonymous with the dogma and creeds of the major religious traditions in the world, even though religion for many may serve as a pathway to spirituality. Practices within the major religions of the world that foster peacemaking, however, will be explored, along with practices within Native American, Canadian Aboriginal, Native Hawaiian, African, New Zealand Maori, and Eastern cultural traditions.