Browsing by Author "Leiner, Martin"

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    Creating space for truth : reconciliation studies and the 2014 TRC re-enactment
    (African Sun Media, 2020) Leiner, Martin
    Before engaging in scientific analysis and critical reflections, I would like to start with a personal statement: The days in October 2014 in Stellenbosch, as well as the preparatory meeting in February, have been part of the most impressive and inspiring times in my entire life. The preparatory meeting in February gathered many experts on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) from South Africa,2 some international guests like Ralf Wüstenberg3 and me from Germany, as well as the coorganiser of the re-enactment, Mpho Tutu on behalf of the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation. The preparatory meeting familiarised the international guests with the actual challenges of reconciliation in faith communities and discussed issues such as how to successfully bring all important actors to attend the meeting. I admired the inclusive and welcoming approach and the deep theological reflections during the meeting when they discussed questions, such as: What is the glory of God? Would a gathering of Christian churches alone not be against the spirit of the TRC? During the preparatory meeting as during the re-enactment, I could participate in the South African way of approaching reconciliation, to reflect on it, integrate it into communication and planning and put it into action. Until today, I consider those two visits in 2014 as a deep and lasting experience that left their imprint on my life as well as on my research.