books on over-coming fear and prejudice, nurturing forgiveness, and related themes are offered to participating students at their request. More than 400,000 copies have been distributed to date. See our resources page for teaching materials. Breaking the Cycle fulfills requirements placed on New York schools by the state’s S.A.V.E. legislation to instruct the entire student body in nonviolent conflict resolution. And recently, our speakers received the Pride of Ulster Award, the highest honor bestowed by that county.
Breaking the Cycle has brought a message of Nonviolent Conflict Resolution through Forgiveness to hundreds of thousands of students across the United States and abroad.
Our speakers tell personal stories of life experiences that demonstrate the positive effects of choosing forgiveness in the face of conflict. Their message emphasizes self-respect and the unique value of each individual. If time allows, the presentation ends with a Q&A session and an opportunity for students and staff to speak with the presenters.
We started in 1999 as a response to the Columbine High School shooting hoping to provide dynamic school assemblies based on conflict resolution through forgiveness.
Johann Christoph Arnold was a lifelong peacemaker, pastor of the Bruderhof, and bestselling author of eight books including Why Forgive? He was born in 1940 but his parents resisted Nazi Germany and consequently fled Europe to settle in South America. In the 1960s, his interest in Civil Rights led him to go south, where he met and marched with Martin Luther King Jr.. Their ensuing friendship impacted the rest of his life.
Steven McDonald, a detective with the NYPD, was questioning three youths in Central Park one hot summer day in 1986 when one of them shot him three times, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down, and dependent on a ventilator. He now says that if he had not chosen to forgive his attacker, hatred would have completed what the bullet failed to do. His life is a remarkable journey.
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Breaking the Cycle is a project of the Bruderhof, an international movement of Christian communities. Bruderhof communities, which include both families and single people from a wide range of backgrounds, are located in the United States, England, Germany, Australia, and Paraguay. Visitors are welcome. Learn more about the Bruderhof’s faith, history, and daily life, or find a Bruderhof community near you to arrange a visit.
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October 1, 2002 – Nassau County Office of the Executive Citation
Presented to Christoph Arnold on the occasion of the Non-violent Conflict Resolution at Westbury High School, in fitting recognition and heartfelt appreciation of the dedicated and exemplary service that you have provided for the benefit of our residents. – Thomas R. Suozzi, Nassau County Executive
August 2, 2003 – Nassau County Legislature Citation
Recognized and acknowledged Bruderhof Communities for touring with Detective Steven McDonald to talk about forgiveness. – Joseph Scannell, Nassau County Legislator, 5th Legislative District
August 2, 2003 – Nassau County Legislation Citation
The Bruderhof Communities, a community of dedication and commitment, is being recognized for its continued support, advocacy, leadership, and efforts to spread the word of forgiveness. – Kevan M. Abrahams, Nassau County Legislator, 1st Legislative District
August 2, 2003 – Mayor’s Citation
In honor of Bruderhof Communities outstanding inspiration and dedication to all communities at large. Thank you for sharing the importance of forgiveness. – Mayor William F. Glacken, Incorporated Village of Freeport, NY
August 2, 2003 – Nassau County Office of the Executive
Presented this citation to the Bruderhof Communities in fitting recognition and heartfelt appreciation of the dedicated and exemplary service that you have provided for the benefit of our residents. – Thomas R. Suozzi, Nassau County Executive
August 2, 2003 – Winston A. Grant Humanitarian Award
Presented to Bruderhof Communities commending your efforts on Breaking The Cycle. – Eleventh Annual International Festival, Church of God in Christ Little Zion, Bishop Frank O. White, Pastor
August 2, 2003 – Nassau County Legislature Citation
Recognized, acknowledged, commended, and applauded the Bruderhof communities for your compassion, humanity, and caring. You truly exemplify the saying, “You make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give.” - David W. Denenberg, Nassau County Legislator, 19th Legislative District`
October 22, 2004 – Certificate of Recognition
Presented to Breaking The Cycle on the occasion of today’s Assemblies on the topic of Non-violent Conflict Resolution and Forgiveness at Uniondale High School. The Town of Hempstead is proud to be a part of today’s important event. – Kate Murray, Supervisor, Town of Hempstead, NY
November 4, 2006 – Highland Residential Center
Presented to the Bruderhof with sincere appreciation for your unswerving efforts and contributions to the youth at the Highland Residential Center. - Highland Residential Center, Highland, NY
November 17, 2007 – Highland Residential Center
Presented to the Bruderhof with sincere appreciation for your unswerving efforts and contributions to the youth at the Highland Residential Center. - Highland Residential Center, Highland, NY
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