Article written by Fr. Yago Abeledo, M.Afr. published in the UISG Bulletin 185/2024.

In our increasingly complex and volatile world, characterized by the acronym BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible), even our religious lives are not immune to disruption and change. The Catholic Church, too, is navigating an extraordinary moment with the Synod of Synodality, a time of profound questioning about power structures, patriarchal influences, and our collective path forward.

At the heart of this synodal process lies an invitation to engage with conflict in a constructive and transformative manner. Conflict, often perceived as a threat to unity, can paradoxically become a catalyst for deeper understanding, healing, and co-creation of a renewed ecclesial community. In this context, the Butterfly Framework offers a powerful lens through which we can navigate the complexities of conflict within our synodal processes. Rooted in the wisdom of nature’s patterns, this framework provides a holistic and organic approach to conflict transformation, empowering us to embrace the present moment, acknowledge the past, and envision a hopeful future.

The International Union of General Superiors (UISG) recently hosted a formation on conflict transformation to more than 300 members of General Councils. Prior to the training, participants were asked to reflect on their experiences with conflict within their congregations. Their responses revealed a common thread: conflict, while often unspoken, is an ever-present reality in religious life.

This formation began with a unique approach to understanding conflict: conflict is as valuable as peace for the life of a community, and no state is inherently better than another, as no state alone constitutes a community. A community may experience its greatest moments of meaning through conflict. This approach suggests that conflict is not a deviation from the natural order but an integral part of it. It is through conflict and disruption that we are propelled towards growth and transformation. Could we, then, view conflict as an ally in our individual and collective journeys?