Our Vision

We dream of a Beloved Community learning to live without rivalry – growing together toward belonging, courage, and hope.

Our Mission

Because we hold this dream, we help aspiring peacemakers connect René Girard’s mimetic theory with everyday action so they can transform conflict into community, making hope contagious in a wounded world.

Our Approach

We are deep thinkers, curious learners, and servant leaders dedicated to disarming violence with life-changing love through friendship, scholarship, and discipleship.

We gather

to nurture a community of conversation, reflection, and belonging.

We educate

to ignite insight through learning & dialogue about Girardian theology.

We practice

grounding peace in everyday creative & collaborative action.

  • 2001–2006 — A New Theological Urgency

    After 9/11, growing political and cultural rivalries in North America reveal the need for deeper theological reflection on violence, scapegoating, and human transformation.

  • 2007-2010 — Theology, Liturgy, and Activism

    A group of pastors, theologians and scholars gathers for “a first theological conversation” at the Mennonite Central Committee in Akron, Pennsylvania, under the name Theologia Pacis.

  • 2011-2012 — Baltimore and Sandtown

    Theology & Peace hosts conferences in Baltimore and connects with activists and faith communities in Sandtown, especially Newborn Community (now Intersection of Change.)

  • 2013-2015 — A Decisive Turn Toward Racism

    Inspired by the Moral Mondays protests, Theology & Peace commits to directly addressing the systemic and sacrificial nature of racism in the United States.

  • 2016-2019 — Nashville and Beloved Community

    Preston Shipp invites Theology & Peace into a vibrant Nashville activist community addressing racial justice, mass incarceration, sex trafficking, and the cradle-to-prison pipeline. T&P recognizes an even deeper call toward embodied peacemaking and Beloved Community.

  • 2020 — COVID Changes How We Gather

    Theology & Peace responds creatively to global lockdowns and pivots to online events that hold the community together, maintaining our legacy of education and activism despite unique challenges.

  • 2026 — Reflecting on Two Decades of Theological Activism

    Theology & Peace looks back on 20 years and finds fresh energy in its commitment to not only educate about violence, but to actively create alternatives to violence through our strong emphasis on loving mimesis.

  • Today — Making Hope Contagious

    Theology & Peace continues to gather, educate, and practice with a Beloved Community around the world — helping aspiring peacemakers connect René Girard’s mimetic theory with everyday action so they can transform conflict into community.

  • Our Values

  • Hope

    We trust that a peaceful future is possible for humanity when we recognize and relinquish our violence.

  • Creativity

    We connect theology to culture to imagine new possibilities for human thriving.

  • Belonging

    We model invitation and inclusivity in our communications and gatherings.

  • Ecumenical & Interfaith

    We collaborate within and beyond our Christian tradition, confident that every denomination & faith contributes to collective flourishing.

  • Intellectual & Spiritual Rigor

    We challenge our community to learn, grow, and practice.

Join our next event and discover a Beloved Community practicing peace and making hope contagious.

Upcoming Events
Black and white halftone image of three men sitting closely, engaged in conversation, with one gesturing with his hand.