L.R. Berger, Pace e Bene New England Associate, will be returning to Andover Newton Theological Seminary in March to speak with students of Rev. Allie Perry’s “Theology of Nonviolence” seminar about Pace e Bene.

L.R. believes that “this is one of those circles coming around. I was a student in Rev. Perry’s class, which is where I was first introduced to Pace e Bene’s curriculum, From Violence to Wholeness. I had been involved with peace and social justice work for decades, and had returned to ANTS in response to my own deepening anguish about the escalating violence in the world. I was feeling a call to re-envision how to be human in this world, and was thirsty for spiritual companionship inside this question.

“Approaching 50, I needed to get clear about how I wanted to serve: how to use my strengths and limitations in new, relevant ways. I felt a need to reach deeper into understanding the roots of violence and the principles of nonviolence; to find some practice I could believe in. Encountering Pace e Bene’s community through From Violence To Wholeness was like receiving the answer to a long-held prayer. It’s a gift to be invited back to Andover Newton to witness to Pace e Bene’s transforming power.”

Founded in 1807, Andover Newton is the oldest graduate school of theology in the United States. Today, over 400 students from 35 denominations are enrolled, creating a lively, ecumenical environment for study. Andover Newton is also part of the Boston Theological Institute, a collaborative association of nine area seminaries.