Reconciliation

Effective community mediation begins with empathy

Nobody wins during community unrest. At our recent peace-building Bridge event with clerics in the KZN region, the sentiment was clear: we cannot stand by idly and let division and unrest unfold. We need more community mediators.

Church leaders from Phoenix Indanda Ntuzuma and Kwa Mashu in their full kit before the much anticipated soccer game

Reconciling riot hotspots through sports and storytelling

The July unrest in KwaZulu-Natal escalated racial tensions in the province. Heartlines and church leaders are working to bring change and reconciliation.

Unrest recovery sparks renewed commitment to reconciliation

Church leaders in the violence-struck areas of Phoenix, Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu and Umhlanga/Durban North (PINKU) came together in a two-day process at the end of September in a renewed effort to build bridges following the unrest that tore through the region in July.

'Not all is lost' – A day of rebuilding in Alex

[Stories of Hope] Thabiso was born and raised in Alexandra and is passionate about its people and communities. He shares his story and photos of being part of a clean-up initiative in the wake of the riots and looting.

Crossing cultures led Cobus van Schalkwyk to minister in diversity

Cross Culture City Church is using What’s Your Story? to shatter stereotypes

Taizé youth conference pilgrims learn the power of What’s Your Story? when discussing gender-based-violence, reconciliation and unity

“Youth without faith is a day without sun” – Maria Louise Ramé

Storytelling breaks stereotypes about criminals

Father Babychan Arackathara has been working as a chaplain in SA’s prisons for over 20 years. He is an advocate of the the human rights of prisoners and has a remarkable track record of restorative justice, bringing healing to offenders as well as victims and their families. He tells the stories of prisoners in a way that exposes us to new ways of understanding.

Reconciliation takes commitment

For many people, we spend most of our time at work with our colleagues, something which can be difficult if we have not made the effort to get to know them beyond their ‘professional clothes’.