MCC alumnus Dr. Chris Rice in Manitoba for speaking events focused on peacebuilding and reconciliation
Dr. Chris Rice
Dr. Chris Rice, a respected global voice in peacebuilding, Mennonite Central Committee alumnus, and an award-winning author, will be in Manitoba for a series of speaking events from March 11-15.
Rice is the featured speaker at the Canadian Mennonite University Face2Face speaker series event on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The event is co-presented by MCC Manitoba and CMU and takes place at Marpeck Commons, 2299 Grant Ave., Winnipeg. He will present an address titled, Being Peacemakers for a World of Surging Polarization.
The event also features accomplished panelists and CMU faculty members Dr. Dan Epp-Tiessen and Dr. Jodi Dueck-Read, and is hosted by Darryl Loewen, executive director of MCC Manitoba.
"Chris embodies MCC's commitment to justice, reconciliation, and hope, and he has engaged firsthand in some of the world's challenging conflict zones. His visit to Manitoba is a time to explore how faith-driven empathy can bridge deep cultural divides as Christians navigate tensions and work to foster social healing and spiritual renewal," states Loewen.
Rice previously served as director of the MCC United Nations Office in New York City. In that role, he led advocacy efforts with senior diplomats and UN leadership, advancing MCC's peacebuilding initiatives in more than 45 countries. He has authored four books, including his latest, From Pandemic to Renewal.
From grassroots community development and racial healing work in Mississippi to peacebuilding on the Korean Peninsula, Rice has dedicated his life to pursuing positive change with leaders and organizations across the world. He co-founded the influential Duke Divinity School Center for Reconciliation and has led peacemaking initiatives in East Africa and Northeast Asia. Rice's deep belief is that the difficult challenges of our time can become holy ground for social renewal and transformation.
"During this time of heightened conflict and polarization, Chris' message of social renewal and spiritual transformation couldn't be more relevant," added Loewen.
Two additional public events take place on March 12 at MCC Manitoba in Winnipeg and on March 14 in Neubergthal at the Commons Barn and are presented by MCC Manitoba.
Additional details on all events can be found below.
Media Contact:
Rosemary Paring'iro
MCC Manitoba 204.261.6381 OR 204.261.6386
media
Please note: Chris Rice is available for virtual interviews. We would kindly ask that all interview requests be made through the MCC Manitoba media liaison listed above.
Additional Details for Chris Rice Speaking Events
1. Face2Face Speaker Series – March 11, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Being Peacemakers for a World of Surging Polarization – Four Essentials for the Christian Journey of Hope
Co-presented by CMU and MCC Manitoba
Venue: CMU Marpeck Commons, 2299 Grant Ave., Winnipeg
Speaker: Dr. Chris Rice
Host: Darryl Loewen, executive director, MCCM
Panelists: Dr. Dan Epp-Tiessen and Dr. Jodi Dueck-Read, CMU faculty
2. Stories of Hope for Justice and Healing – March 12, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Venue: MCC Manitoba, 140 Bannatyne Ave., Winnipeg
Chris Rice will share about his experiences and time working with MCC. From overseeing MCC's projects in North Korea to spearheading regional peace initiatives in East Africa and Northeast Asia and leading MCC's office at the United Nations, Rice will draw on stories shaped by conflict, courage, and reconciliation.
3. Building the Beloved Community in a Time of Division – March 14, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Venue: Commons Barn, Neubergthal, MB
Drawing on global peacebuilding experience, Chris explores how communities can nurture justice, belonging, and courageous hope, inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of the "beloved community."