Sister Kristin Peters attended circle keeper training at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation in Chicago in 2022. The training follows the writing and training of Kay Pranis, a national leader in restorative justice, specializing in peacemaking circles. For more than a year, Sister Kristin sat "in circle" every week with people who came through a food pantry in Chicago. It was in circles, recalls Sister Kristin, “that we grew in trust and care for each other. The relationships have grown me in really valuable ways.”
Sister Kristin now keeps circles at St. Rose Convent with a mix of sisters, affiliates and FSPA’s partners in mission on staff in order to deepen relationships, support and trust. She attends monthly circle for circle keepers training at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation for continued support and to maintain relationships in the community.
Why offer circles for sisters and partners in mission on staff?
Sister Kristin: I am inviting others to sit in circle to create a space encounter where we can experience belonging, authenticity and truth telling.
What are you inviting people into?
S. Kristin: We are building relationships to support FSPA’s Unity in Diversity Provocative Movement as we work to address injustice and dismantle racism. We celebrate authentic unity in diversity by challenging our white privilege and working toward equity and inclusion of all. The work is challenging and it feels like we're in silos sometimes. We need the support and the challenge created when we come together.
What’s the goal?
Sister Kristin: Sitting "in circle" is an indigenous practice or process of listening to each other. Several of us engaged in the circle process as part of the FSPA Anti-Racism training in 2024. The goal is to build community, listen to each other and share what speaks to our hearts and calls us. Circles have the potential to promote healing and transform conflict both as a prevention practice and an intervention practice when relationships are disrupted.
What does a peacemaking circle look like?
Sister Kristin: They are a practice according to Kay Pranis, that bring people together to strengthen relationships, talk through difficulties, resolve conflict, or plan together. The circle draws from ancient ways of being together. Drawn together into a space with a center focus each person can speak their truth. The circle structure helps us explore our shared ground to honor differences. The circle is a space where every voice is heard and each person is treated with dignity. It allows for deep truth telling. A structure that respects both autonomy and belonging.
As a restorative practice, circles invite us into right-relationship. The foundational principles of restorative justice are respect, responsibility and relationships according to Howard Zehr. I respect myself and everyone else. I take responsibility for my words and actions and impact. For example I ask myself: What am I thinking? I am mindful of observing my judgments about somebody. I am mindful if I shut down. I choose to be in relationship with others – with all. And that means a commitment when things get hard or when there is conflict or I get hurt. I say yes to being in relationship.
What are the core agreements of a peacemaking circle?
Sister Kristin: The core agreements always include Confidentiality, Listening, Truth, and Respect. The agreements are recognized in practices such as respecting the talking piece.The talking piece is passed and held by the speaker, this allows everyone the time they need to speak. In order to create a safe space the group members create guidelines that often include using “I” statements. The “I” statements allow people to speak without judgement. Take space, make space is often another guideline that encourages people to balance their needs in the context of the group’s needs.. Stepping up if I tend to step back or stepping back if I tend to talk a lot is another way to say it.
Is there an article, video or some additional resource you recommend to anyone who would like to learn more about peacemaking circles?
Sister Kristin recommends ...
Peacemaking Circles A way to honor difference, holding dignity and space for truth-telling
Using circle for restorative practice Kay Pranis Accountability & Repairing Harm
The Art of Holding Circle
The Little Book of Circle Processes, by Kay Pranis - available at Living Justice Press