The Peace Center

at Bethlehem


WHO WE ARE

The Peace Center at Bethlehem strengthens the fabric of community by being a resource, hub, and catalyst for restorative peace practices on the far Southwest Side of Chicago. 


The Peace Center partners with local schools, faith communities, and civic organizations to build capacity in restorative practices, draw connections between diverse groups of people, and provide brave space for critical conversations and conflict transformation.


We do this as a healing-centered community, committed to equity and inclusion.  


The Peace Center's work is based in restorative practices and restorative justice. Peace circles are foundational to our efforts to build community, resolve conflicts, and promote healing.


The work of the Center is directed by Bethlehem's Peace Team. 


Visit this page often to learn more about our ongoing work and how you can be involved. You also can subscribe to our newsletter.


Upcoming Events

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what we do


  • Peace Circles

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  • Equity and Belonging

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  • Peace Camp

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  • peace club

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  • Training and Resources

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Recent Events

A sample of recent events and opportunities hosted by the Peace Center.

  • Circle keeper training

    From time to time, The Peace Center hosts circle keeper trainings. Participants spend two full days being trained in restorative practices and then go into the community to share their new skills.  

  • Community intefaith sukkot celebration

    The Peace Center hosted a community sukkah for the Jewish festival of Sukkot. The celebration centers around a sukkah, or temporary shelter, which becomes the site of meals and community over the week long celebration. The celebration brought together Jewish, Christian, and non-denominational neighbors for a time of shared fellowship. 


  • Community Interfaith iftar

    During Ramadan, The Peace Center hosted an interfaith Iftar. Christians and Muslims gathered at the end of the day as Muslims broke the day's fast. We enjoyed a shared meal and learned from a Muslim and Christian speaker.

  • Training in LGBTQ inclusion

    Members at Bethlehem Lutheran Church receiving training in making the congregational community a Safe Zone for people who are LGBTQIA+. This was part of the congregation's renewal of its commitment to LGBTQ inclusion through the Reconciling in Christ designation program. 

Community Partners

Bethlehem cannot do this work alone. We collaborate with an ever-growing list of community partners. Contact Pastor Jennie English -Dumont if you would like to learn more about how we can work together!