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One land’s work at healing can help U.S.


Last updated January 21, 2021

By Tina Underwood

John Harris, a Furman University mathematics professor, proffers a mathematical approach for solving problems of social and political unrest in the U.S. in an opinion piece he wrote for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Following the rioting at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, Harris reflects on a trip he took in 2015 to Corrymeela, a reconciliation center in Northern Ireland known for bringing together “the most bitter of enemies.” Citing the long-held rift between Catholics and Protestants during The Troubles and the progress factions have made since, Harris says the U.S. can take a page from the Corrymeela playbook for navigating a way forward and mending divisions in our nation.

Harris, a graduate of Furman University and Emory University, is faculty director of  Furman’s Cothran Center for Vocational Reflection.

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