Creating space for truth : reconciliation studies and the 2014 TRC re-enactment
Date
2020
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Sun Media
Abstract
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.
Description
CITATION: Leiner, M. 2020. Creating space for truth : reconciliation studies and the 2014 TRC re-enactment, in Thesnaar, C. H. & Hansen, L. D. (eds.) 2020. Unfinished business? Faith communities and reconciliation in a post-TRC context. Stellenbosch: SUN MeDIA, doi:10.18820/9781928480518/09.
The original publication is available at https://africansunmedia.store.it.si/za
The original publication is available at https://africansunmedia.store.it.si/za
Keywords
South Africa Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Reconciliation -- South Africa
Citation
Leiner, M. 2020. Creating space for truth : reconciliation studies and the 2014 TRC re-enactment, in Thesnaar, C. H. & Hansen, L. D. (eds.) 2020. Unfinished business? Faith communities and reconciliation in a post-TRC context. Stellenbosch: SUN MeDIA, doi:10.18820/9781928480518/09.