These reflections offered by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) describe what the organization learned as it went through a six-year public crisis. The book details the values, attitudes, and practices that helped the organization navigate a situation that could easliy have resulted in fractured relationships and polarization, but did not. The authors share a variety of processes and conceptual frameworks that can be valuable for anyone living or leading in a complex and challenging situation of conflict. -- (Back cover).

Introduction: What you will find in this book -- A word of hope to a world in turmoil -- Truth-telling: on personal and institutional integrity -- The gift and challenge of communal discernment -- Common journey through diverse paths: developing right relationships in conflictual situations -- Relationships matter: nonviolence and the pressure to react -- A tapestry of contrasting colors: living with polarization, differences, and impasse -- Embarking on an unknown journey: the responsible use of influence -- The power of secrecy and perceptions --A spiritual journey : what we learned about humility -- Making it through the long night, publicly: managing public information during crises -- Discovering fresh possibilities in unexpected places: applying what we witnessed to our lives / Solidarity with Sisters -- Epilogue -- The authors -- Glossary -- Appendices: Doctrinal Assessment of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious -- LCWR Public Statement, August 10, 2012 -- Joint final report -- Guide for contemplative process.