Sharing our Work & Learning in 2024

2024 has been a remarkable year for Rose Castle as we’ve had the privilege of sharing our work and vision for reconciliation on different stages around the world. These moments of thought leadership and action have not only amplified the heart of our mission but also sparked meaningful interactions about the transformative power of the ministry of reconciliation in communities globally.

The year began with an opportunity for Canon Sarah Snyder to deliver a TED Talk at the 2024 annual gathering of the Templeton Philanthropies (John Templeton Foundation, Templeton Religion Trust, and Templeton World Charity Foundation). In this deeply personal and compelling presentation, Sarah shared her own story of reconciliation and the foundational role of habits in shaping relationships and communities. Speaking to a captivated audience, she illustrated how intentional practices can lead to healing and transformation. This opportunity to gather with others who collaborate with Templeton Philanthropies provided a springboard to new collaborations, such as with Heartlines, a centre for values promotion based in South Africa.

Later in the year, Sarah was invited to speak at the DeNicola Center’s conference at the University of Notre Dame, themed ‘Ever Faithful, Ever New’. Sarah joined an esteemed panel on Reconciliation and Forgiveness in the Catholic Imagination, alongside Dr Daniel Philpott, Dr Jacqueline Rivers, and Dr Jason Springs. Together they explored the interplay of truth-seeking, forgiveness, and healing, drawing on diverse traditions and experiences. Sarah’s reflections brought the principles of reconciliation to life, emphasising the importance of being willing to seek truth even when the truth may be painful and require from us a reimagined response.

Our work also took centre stage in a unique collaboration with the Tanenbaum Peacemakers, to host BBC Radio 4’s Sunday Worship on the first anniversary of the October 7th attacks in Southern Israel. The programme, entitled ‘Impossible Friendship’, was broadcast from Rose Castle and highlighted the extraordinary stories of Peacemakers who have been inspired by their faith to pursue peace in settings of violent conflict.

In the wake of the US election, Sarah brought Rose Castle’s message to Calvin University, speaking to faculty, staff, and students at the invitation of John Witvliet, founding director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. This timely conversation centered on reconciliation in moments of division, offering both inspiration and practical wisdom. Sarah invited the Calvin community to consider how they might engage in bridge-building within their own contexts, embodying the habits and practices that lead to reconciliation.

These moments of sharing have been more than events: they’ve been opportunities to witness reconciliation in action, to inspire hope, and to equip communities with the tools to pursue peace. As 2024 draws to a close, we are grateful for the doors that have opened to tell this story and for the growing network of individuals and organisations committed to the work of reconciliation and peacebuilding.