As a Team, we recently had the opportunity to step away from our desks and into a different kind of learning space — one focused not on research proposals, reading lists, administration or stewardship but on ourselves, each other, and what it means to work well together.
Guiding us through this day was Canon Sarah Snyder, founder of the Rose Castle Foundation and long-time peacemaker, theologian, and reconciliation advisor to the Archbishop of Canterbury. With grace, humour, and depth of wisdom, Sarah introduced us to the 12 Habits of a Reconciler — a practical framework for working well across difference, building trust, and growing as leaders who listen deeply and act courageously.
Through team-based problem-solving, honest conversations, and interactive sessions, we explored our own strengths and blind spots, how we relate to others in the team, and how habits like curiosity, hospitality, resilience, and accountability can shape healthier leadership cultures. It was a chance not only to reflect, but also to reconnect — especially meaningful for a team that often works across multiple roles, countries, and time zones.
The day wasn’t just about leadership theory. It was about cultivating a space where everyone could show up honestly — faith and all — and learn from each other. As the Rose Castle Foundation puts it, this is “deep-to-deep” encounter: a way of engaging difference that doesn’t seek shallow agreement but welcomes thoughtful disagreement, mutual respect, and the richness of diverse perspectives.
The OCMS team, comprising of staff and Trustees, left with a clearer sense of who we are, how we work, and how we want to grow — both individually and together. And yes, there was laughter, lunch, and liquids (coffee!) along the way.
We’re grateful to Sarah for the wisdom she shared, and to each other for teamwork and fun.
We’re grateful to Sarah for the wisdom she shared, and to each other for showing up wholeheartedly.
Scroll down for a few snapshots of the day — team icebreakers, discussion groups, and of course, the beautifully simple visual of the 12 Habits that gave us so much to think about.
“The 12 Habits of a Reconciler” is a beautifully crafted guide from the Rose Castle Foundation, offering practical steps and reflections for those seeking to transform conflict and build peace. Drawing on decades of global experience, it explores lived habits—from curiosity and empathy to forgiveness and hope—that cultivate reconciliation in divided and polarized times.
You can find out more and download the full 40 page explainer from the Rose Castle Foundation
