1990 — The Wider Girardian Movement
1990 — The Wider Girardian Movement
COV&R is founded as the academic organization connected to René Girard’s work, creating a vital intellectual home for scholars exploring violence, religion, and culture.
2001-2006 — A New Theological Urgency
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
January 2007 — Theologia Pacis
A selected group gathers for “a first theological conversation” at the Mennonite Central Committee in Akron, Pennsylvania, under the name Theologia Pacis.
2011-2012 — Baltimore and Sandtown
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
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
2016–2018 — 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 Everything
2020 — COVID Changes Everything
When a global pandemic locked down the U.S. and gathering in person became fraught, Theology & Peace pivoted to online events that held the community together and continued our legacy of education and activism.
2026 — Reflecting on Two Decades of Theological Activism
2026 — Two Decades of Theological Activism
Theology & Peace looks back on 20 years and finds a new focus in its commitment to not only educate about violence, but to actively create alternatives to violence through a stronger emphasis on loving mimesis.
Today — Making Hope Contagious
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.