Facing the Truth: South African Faith Communities and the Truth & Reconciliation Commission

by James D. Cochrane, John W. de Gruchy (Contributor), Stephen Martin (Contributor)

The unique motivation of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission to "turn its back on revenge" and to create a space where the deeper process "of forgiveness, confession, repentance, reparation, and reconciliation can take place" has, at its heart, the sentiment of certain faith communities within the nation. In this most candid of studies, we have the historical notes that formed that difficult process, which was and continues to be a struggle of theological and philosophical import within the faith communities. The writers gathered here look at this complex matter from many perspectives but all seek to reinvigorate the religious discourses about truth and reconciliation, suggesting new ways of understanding, and new configurations. The book includes extracts of verbatim testimonies of faith communities to the TRC.

238 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1999