Office of Conciliation
Procedures
Please click here to download the most current version of the Office of Conciliation Manual of Procedures.
The Office of Conciliation offers two methods to resolve conflicts:
- Conciliation
Through conciliation, the parties themselves reach a just resolution of the conflict, with the assistance of an experienced, impartial facilitator approved by the parties. The Office of Conciliation encourages parties to seek resolution through this process, believing that persons of good will, committed to the Gospel spirit of love and reconciliation, can often find resolution with the assistance of another committed to that same spirit. - Arbitration
Because not all conflicts will be resolved through conciliation, arbitration is also offered. In arbitration, those in conflict agree to allow an experienced, impartial arbitrator approved by the parties to resolve the conflict. Arbitration adds the important element of the readiness of the parties to accept the decision of the arbitrator as final and binding.
The Office encourages all participants in these processes to embrace the following principles:
- that we acknowledge Christ's presence in this process, in discourse and in prayer;
- that we be respectful in speech and manner;
- that we strive to open our hearts to the needs and voices of others, in a spirit of good will and justice;
- that we recognize that no law can be as compelling as Christ's commandment to love one another;
- that we recognize that the ultimate goal is to find Christ and His love for us through reconciliation with Him and each other.
How do I start the process?
Conciliation
- The petitioner (person(s) requesting conciliation) submits to the director a written petition in which the parties to the conflict are identified and the problem is briefly summarized. This petition should include a statement of policy, law or principle which supports the claim that a right has been violated.
- The director determines whether the petition falls within the scope of allowable disputes. If it does, the director sends a copy of the petition to the respondent (person(s) against whom a complaint has been lodged.
- During the first contact with each party, each shall be offered the services of an advisor (person appointed to assist and support the petitioner or the respondent as s/he utilizes the conciliation process.
- Participants shall be given a copy of the "Agreement to Conciliate," a document which describes the spirit of confidentiality and other key principles which underlie the conciliation process. The parties, the advisors, and the conciliator will be asked to sign this document before the actual conciliation process begins.
The conciliator (person who guides and facilitates the conciliation process) shall encourage the parties to come to a solution, but never force them to do so. Conciliators shall strive to conclude the conciliation process within ninety (90) days, except when unusual circumstances justify a longer time, or when the parties wish to continue.
Arbitration
- The petitioner shall submit to the director a written statement setting forth the nature of the dispute, the party's position, and suggested remedies.
- The director shall send a copy of the petitioner's statement to the respondent, and invite the respondent to submit a response.
- The director shall make a judgment regarding the arbitrability of the dispute.
- Both parties shall participate in the selection of a mutually acceptable arbitrator.
At the conclusion of the arbitration hearings, the final determination shall be rendered promptly by the arbitrator. The determination shall be final and binding upon all parties to the dispute.
To request a hard copy of the Office of Conciliation Manual of Procedures (which more fully explains this process), send an email to Jennifer Haselberger, Director of the Office of Concialiation. You may also download a copy of the Manual here.