After more than three years of vision, planning and partnership-building, The Centre for Reconciliation has celebrated the successful conclusion of its inaugural international Reconciliation in Action Conference, bringing together people from the United Kingdom and overseas around a shared commitment to reconciliation, dialogue and building a better society.
Held from 17–19 July 2026 at Lincoln Bishop University, the three-day conference welcomed delegates and contributors from the United Kingdom, India and Rwanda, alongside faith and civic leaders, academics, practitioners, community representatives and changemakers.
Under the theme “Using Religion & Belief to Build a Better Society,” the conference was founded on a simple but powerful conviction: reconciliation begins when people are willing to come together, listen to one another and build meaningful relationships across differences.
For The Centre for Reconciliation, the event marked a significant milestone. What began more than three years ago as a vision became a vibrant international gathering of people representing different countries, cultures, faiths, beliefs, professions and life experiences.
The conference began on Friday evening with a special Opening Ceremony, bringing together civic, faith, academic and community leaders to warmly welcome delegates to Lincoln. The ceremony included a civic welcome from the Right Worshipful the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Clare Smalley, highlighting the importance of bringing people and communities together in the spirit of reconciliation.
As part of the Opening Ceremony, special gifts, including ceremonial shawls, were presented by representatives from the Diocese of Madras to the Mayor and other guests. The presentation was a meaningful gesture of friendship, respect and goodwill, reflecting the international relationships and cultural connections at the heart of the conference.
The Opening Ceremony was also enriched by two special cultural performances. A vocal performance by The Star Family brought music to the gathering, while students from the Narthana School of Bharatanatyam presented a traditional Bharatanatyam cultural performance. Together, these performances celebrated the role of music, dance, culture and heritage in bringing people together across different backgrounds.
The official opening and introduction to the conference theme was delivered by Subash Chellaiah, Founder and Executive Director of The Centre for Reconciliation, setting the tone for three days of conversation, learning and relationship-building centred on reconciliation in action.
Throughout the three days, delegates participated in keynote addresses, panel discussions, interactive workshops and networking opportunities exploring reconciliation, interfaith understanding, peacebuilding, justice, healing and community action.
Yet the spirit of the conference extended far beyond the formal programme. Conversations over shared meals and coffee, encounters between people meeting for the first time, and new friendships formed across cultural, religious and national boundaries all reflected the conference’s central purpose: creating opportunities for people to encounter one another with openness, dignity and respect.
The conference also celebrated the power of culture and creativity to bring communities together. Performances enriched the gathering, while the conference marketplace showcased cultural and faith displays, books, artwork, heritage items and community resources. Delegates also had opportunities to experience the historic city of Lincoln and learn more about its rich civic and cultural heritage.
Subash Chellaiah, Founder and Executive Director of The Centre for Reconciliation, said: “After more than three years of planning, seeing people from different countries, cultures, faiths and beliefs come together in Lincoln was deeply inspiring. This is only the beginning. Our hope is that the friendships, partnerships and ideas created here will now become meaningful action for reconciliation.”
The success of the inaugural conference was the result of an extraordinary collective effort involving many individuals and organisations.
The Centre paid particular tribute to its incredible team of volunteers, whose commitment, generosity and hard work were at the heart of the conference. From welcoming delegates and supporting speakers to working tirelessly behind the scenes, the volunteers played an invaluable role in creating the warm and inclusive atmosphere that characterised the three-day gathering. The Centre acknowledged that the successful delivery of its first international conference would not have been possible without their contribution.
The Centre also expressed its profound appreciation to the Conference Steering Committee and core staff, whose dedication helped transform years of planning into reality, and to the funders, sponsors, partners and supporters whose belief in the vision and generous support helped make the conference possible. Heartfelt thanks were also extended to every keynote speaker, workshop leader, contributor, performer and exhibitor who brought their knowledge, experience, creativity and passion to the programme, and to every delegate who travelled to Lincoln or participated online.
Reflecting on the conference and the challenge of turning its conversations into action, Steve Holt, Chair of The Centre for Reconciliation, said: “The energy, insights and passion of our first conference have been truly inspiring. We cannot solve tomorrow’s challenges in isolation—we need to work together. The true measure of this conference’s success is not simply what happened here in Lincoln, but what we do tomorrow with what we have learned.”
The contribution of volunteers was central to the success of the conference, with their enthusiasm and dedication helping to create a welcoming experience for delegates and contributors throughout the three days.
Deirdre Speed, Volunteer Coordinator, said: “This first conference has laid a very solid foundation on which to build for the future. I am filled with gratitude to everyone who made it possible. Onwards and upwards!”
The international participation in the conference reinforced one of the gathering’s most important messages: the challenges facing communities today cannot be addressed in isolation.
Reconciliation requires people to cross boundaries, encounter different perspectives and create spaces where disagreement does not prevent dialogue and difference does not become division. It means listening before judging, seeking understanding before responding and recognising the dignity and value of every person.
The Centre for Reconciliation believes that the relationships established and momentum created in Lincoln will open new opportunities for collaboration at local, national and international levels. As delegates return to their communities in the United Kingdom and overseas, the Centre hopes that each person will carry forward at least one new insight, friendship, tool or partnership and put it into action. In doing so, the conversations that began in Lincoln can inspire practical initiatives, strengthen communities and contribute to lasting change.
The successful conclusion of the inaugural Reconciliation in Action Conference therefore marks not an ending, but a beginning. The Centre’s ambition is to build on the momentum generated by this landmark gathering, nurturing the connections made in Lincoln and encouraging a growing movement of people committed to reconciliation, dialogue, understanding and practical action.
The Centre for Reconciliation extends its heartfelt gratitude to every volunteer, member of the Conference Steering Committee, core staff member, funder, sponsor, partner, keynote speaker, workshop leader, contributor, performer, exhibitor and delegate who played a part in making its first international conference a success.
Above all, the conference leaves a clear and inspiring message: reconciliation is not simply something to talk about. It is something to live—through every conversation, every act of kindness, every relationship we build and every person we welcome.
