The Reconciliation of Peoples
Challenge to the Churches
Edited by Gregory Baum and Harold Wells
Imprint: Wipf and Stock
Modern ethnic tension and conflict, fueled by poverty and despair, have led to a worldwide escalation of hostility among peoples. From Bosnia to Rwanda to Sri Lanka there seems to be no end to the list of countries in conflict--and the deep divisions along religious lines that become fuel for the fires. Ethnic conflict challenges peacemakers and, in particular, peacemakers in the churches. The Reconciliation of Peoples: Challenge to the Churches, this collection of fifteen original essays, reports on the efforts of church-based groups to foster reconciliation between former combatants in many different contexts.
The opening essay by coeditor Harold Wells explores biblical perspectives on forgiveness, reconciliation, and grace. The essays on particular conflicts reflect upon actual efforts and achievements by Christian churches, organization, and individuals to bring about reconciliation among former enemies. These conflicts include peoples divided (the Irish, the Koreans, the Rwandans/Burundians), peoples persecuted internally by their own ruling elite (the Chileans, the Fijians), peoples tragically deprived of land and home (the Palestinians), and peoples torn apart by war (the Germans, the Poles, the peoples of the Balkans). Reconciliation in these contexts is the only way for "two parties to rewrite their histories and enter upon a new path." The concluding essay by coeditor Gregory Baum reflects theologically on the meaning and demands of reconciliation, and on why it is at times so difficult for churches to take on the role of mediator.
GREGORY BAUM, a Catholic theologian and native of Germany, is Professor Emeritus at the Religious Studies Faculty of McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Baum has served as editor of The Ecumenist since 1962. His most recent books include Amazing Church: A Catholic Theologian Remembers a Half-Century of Change (2005), Compassion and Solidarity: The Church for Others (2006), and Religion and Alienation: A Theological Reading of Sociology (2nd edition, 2007).
HAROLD WELLS, a Protestant theologian, is a professor of systematic theology at Emmanuel College at the University of Toronto, Canada. His most recent book is The Christic Center: Life-Giving and Liberating (2004).
"An excellent contribution . . . This book represents a key new stage in Christian social ethics on a global scale."
-Lisa Sowle Cahill, Boston College
"A first-rate collection . . . Anyone interested in reconciliation needs to read this book."
-Robert J. Schreiter, author, Reconciliation
"The editors break new ground in understanding the complex dynamic of reconciliation and offer the churches precious guidance on how to approach this fundamental demand of the Gospel . . . A must read."
-Dwain C. Epps, World Council of Churches
"A valuable book, not only for seminaries and churches but for those of us training community leaders in urban conflict resolution from a faith perspective, from Los Angeles to Johannesburg."
-Robert Evans & Alice Evans, Plowshares Institute