ROM - Renewing Our Minds

19/08/2026

Renewing Our Minds and the European Christian Political Party invite you to Faith, Media & Politics: Rebuilt, a conference taking place in Thessaloniki, Greece October 29- November 1, 2026.

Our theme of this third edition of FMP is Rebuilt, focused on how to rebuild a healthy, flourishing society after division and destruction. We will engage with questions of how best to do this as we hear from speakers who range from elected politicians to scholars to community activists, as well as through small groups discussions and conversations over meals and exploring vibrant and historic downtown Thessaloniki together in our free time.

Read more and register: forumforleadership.org/faith-media-politics

13/07/2026

Our team member Conrad Altmann wrote a blog post on the theme of ROM 2026, (An)Other:
"This past ROM we discussed the different ways that we actively and passively Other people, how our peers and neighbors Other us, what effect that has on community both broadly and narrowly, and what we can do to shift our thinking. In small groups, we had the opportunity to open up in a safe space to really understand different perspectives and to grow our empathy. This community is strong because of our diversity and approach to various people and cultures."

What does it mean to be an "Other"? We've all felt the sting of being excluded in a community, whether it was in middle school or the office. It could have been because we were new, or we weren't as smart as the in-crowd, or maybe it was because of the way we looked, or the way we worshipped, or the...

08/07/2026

We are so grateful for ! While this ROM gathering was a few days shorter than recent summer gatherings, the focus was tighter on our theme, (An)Other. We talked about identity, how we respond when our identity is under attack, how marginalization or "othering" happens, and then we turned to how Jesus treated "the other," the path to reconciliation, and rebuilding community through intentional connection and shared spaces. Through it all our participants were engaged, shared incredible insights, opened their hearts to new friendships and connections, and seamlessly joined ROM's family of friends.

07/07/2026

A special session at this year's ROM gathering was when we got to experience Diplomatika. Last year Josh Ambrose introduced something called "The Crop Game," which he had adapted from an activity he used in his work in primary schools in the UK. The activity was a success, but over the course of the past year Josh worked with a group of volunteers from the ROM community to take it to the next level, and Diplomatika was born.

Participants were divided into groups, each representing the cabinet of ministers of one of the neighboring nations on the fictional continent of Anova. As the groups are faced with one challenging scenario after another, they must apply the principles we discussed at ROM all week and use creativity and collaboration to find mutually-beneficial solutions. In his conclusion, Josh quoted from Pope Leo II's Magnifica Humanitas, "Authentic realism does not give up on changing the world."

If you are looking for a team-building or hands-on learning experience for your group, we highly recommend that you reach out to the Diplomatika team! https://playdiplomatika.com/

30/06/2026

This year we had a special evening that included viewing a beautifully-made film, Izidor, about a monumental day in the life of a Romanian orphan. The film deals with themes of belonging, courageous kindness, and hope. Violeta Altmann expertly facilitated a lively discussion afterwards that will continue throughout the week.

You can learn more about the film here:

Izidor Trapped in a horrid, animated asylum, a disabled orphan discovers a beautiful, real world exists outside the gate. Welcome to the official home of IZIDOR, a short film that uses one child’s story as a window into the struggles and hopes of vulnerable children everywhere. We invite you to p...

29/06/2026

is off to a strong start! In dynamic and interactive sessions we have discussed the problem of othering, how Jesus transcended tradition and expectations in how he related to "the other," the various definitions and facets of identity, identity frameworks that can help us understand ourselves and others, and an exploration of othering in depictions of women in religious art.

And, of course, we are enjoying stimulating conversation over meals, swimming in the (very warm) Adriatic, and the occasional World Cup match.

Much more to come!

22/06/2026

Team members are starting to arrive to prepare for in Crikvenica, Croatia. We are looking forward to meeting participants representing 23
different countries!

12/06/2026

We were honored to participate in a workshop on Romanian-Serbian friendship. ROM community member Laura Acsah Radu has done a fantastic job organizing this series of events focused on building community, bridging divides, and offering mental health support.

10/06/2026

ROM speaker Mirela Popaja Hadzic shares about ongoing divisions in Bosnia as well as the hope she has for the future as a result of her peacebuilding work among women:

"One woman said something that stayed with me long after the workshop ended: “I do not look at someone’s name or surname [which immediately identifies them as a Bosniak, Croat, or Serb]. I look at the person.” She also shared that life had taught her that even when a person breaks apart, they can still rebuild themselves and find meaning again. In that moment, I realized how deeply connected that idea was to Kintsugi itself — accepting the cracks without allowing them to define us only through pain."

https://www.peacecatalyst.org/blog/2026/6/4/3y1tflt2qdsrxoadlyz9ymg4omka5s?fbclid=IwY2xjawSV86RleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEePQgahxVI2OglFTUITIBx0A-fy9F4WYcaF6f2swThqB4UjKKdOR6vZyb2GvQ_aem_NkOyfZBYNVifSjbUIrIPOw

Over the past three months, I had the opportunity to be part of a local project called “Safe and Strong – Women Shaping Communities,” through which I led Kintsugi workshops in different towns across Bosnia and Herzegovina. Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, symbo...

04/05/2026

The Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation is happy to welcome to our board!

Kimberly attended ROM first in Fuzine, Croatia in 2003. That encounter ignited a spark that grew into her work on healthy conflict. The lessons and examples of the young men and women of the former Yugoslavia have inspired her efforts for over twenty years.

Kimberly Hart is dedicated to fostering civil dialogue through her work as Executive Director of .

With a background in law and human rights advocacy, Kimberly brings a unique
perspective to peacebuilding, having worked in child welfare and international human rights across the Middle East, Southeast Europe, and the U.S. Her passion for creating spaces where meaningful conversations can happen stems from her belief that listening and understanding are key to healing societal divides through building relationships of trust and vulnerability.

At Fairlight Farm, Kimberly and her husband John, a former ROM board member from the early 2000s, are actively involved in land stewardship on the historic property, including wetland rehabilitation and preservation of rural viewscapes. She is the author of Restoration Glass, a book exploring how place, stories, and critical thinking can lead to healthier conflicts and stronger communities.

Kimberly has four children, two cats, a slightly anxious dog, and two goats who are livestock-not-pets. And when she isn’t trying to write something, she is probably trying to read something.