Jo Berry: Talking with the Enemy

SUPPORT US

19 April 2021

17:00 - 18:30 CEST

Jo Berry is an inspiring speaker who works to resolve conflict around the world. Sixteen years after her father was killed by an IRA bomb in 1984, she met with the man responsible, Pat Magee. This three-hour meeting led to them speaking on a shared platform on over 300 occasions, around the world. The story of their unusual relationship has been told in several documentaries and plays.

As founder of the charity, Jo believes unbounded empathy is the biggest weapon we have to end conflict. Her words offer a message of hope and encourage us to see the humanity in others, at a time when political, religious and racial divides are deepening.

Jo will share her story, highlighting the lessons she has learnt over the last 40 years. In the second part of the session, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, share their thoughts and practice the steps Jo will guide us through.

The main questions that we will be looking at are: How can we move beyond having an enemy? How can we communicate our pain and distress without blaming and making someone wrong and us right? How would a conversation look that honoured their needs and yours, held dignity for both and allowed you to share the impact of their behaviour on you?

This exploration will take place in a context of safety and care.

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