INTRODUCING
THE PEACEBUILDING SERIES
The primary unit of any nation is the family. Failure to have cohesion and peace in the family spells doom for any community. It is my comment therefore, that the home must be the school where each member of the family learns and appreciates the value of forgiving oneself and others. Embracing such a value enables one to grow up honouring a life whose philosophy is based on ‘Ubuntu;’ “I am because we are.” Included in ‘Ubuntu’ is the manner of how one deals with issues of equality and justice. Rooted in all this yet not loudly sung is forgiveness which is often key in embracing others, serving them with compassion and kindness. Where there is forgiveness the spirit of vengeance loses its power and peace prevails.
Bishop Emeritus Danisa Ndlovu peace practitioner, Bishop of the Brethren In Christ Church [BICC] in Zimbabwe (2000-2014); President of the Mennonite World Conference (2009-2015) and Board Chair of the Ecumenical Church Leaders ForumQuite an insightful and emotion-filled reflection of a reality that touches, challenges and inspires us all. For someone who is earnestly seeking knowledge, wisdom and understanding of these seemingly obvious yet so intricately interwoven aspects of forgiveness, reconciliation and peace, I place two bold stickers on this series: “RECOMMENDED” and “MUST READ.”
Mr. Bornlucky Ncube academician at the Reformed Church UniversityA much-needed book in a divided world. I found it helpful, inspiring, uplifting, informative, sometimes humorous and other times challenging. I had to delve in areas of my life I did not wish to but in so doing I confronted my own mistakes and came to the realisation that apologising or kindly accepting an apology can surely turn around a conflict-ridden life.
Ms. Nomathamsanqa Siziba transformational writerThe writer did an amazing job in tackling a sensitive subject and managed to package it in a way that makes it palatable.
Mrs. Flora Sukoluhle Dlodlo author of Navigating The Marriage RelationshipThe writer ventures into one of the most difficult terrains when he develops The Peacebuilding Series. Firstly, he starts with the pertinent and often neglected aspect of Peacebuilding, ‘I am Sorry.’ He exhibits how an acknowledgement of wrong and an apology unlocks the conversation, creates a sense of genuineness and opens space for dialogue on an honest platform. One cannot expect forgiveness without asking for it and one cannot dictate how he must be forgiven. Secondly, he deals with ‘I Forgive You’, where he looks at the one who has been wronged and accepts the apology. He examines unforgiveness when those who have wronged you have since passed-on and how to forgive yourself. Lastly, he looks at the subject of memory which is very critical in healing processes and its role in reshaping the future. The Peacebuilding Series is a great resource for those who want to deal with healing and memory.
Rev. Sikhalo Cele pastor, peace practitioner and President of the United Congregational Church of Southern AfricaThe series is a true reflection of a complete circuit that irradiates the possibilities of the amendment of strained relationships in any given setup. It highlights the right, but difficult path for the perpetrator to take, “I am very sorry” and equally, the right, but difficult path for the victim to assume, “I forgive you”.
Rev. Dr. Mandlenkosi Moyo pastor, peace practitioner, author, founder of Ubuntu Bethu Shalom Trust, board member and facilitator of Alternative to Violence Project Zimbabwe, and an academician with extensive lecturing experience in Peace and Security Studies
In the chapters of this volume, allow George to walk with you through various circumstances of life, some which you will easily identify with, and thus see the need and power of saying, “I am very sorry.” Taking responsibility for one’s actions has the power of strengthening one’s existing relationships as well as restoring those that have been broken. Broken relationships are no surprise, as conflicts are an inevitable reality of life. However, where we allow for the healing of those broken relationships, we are eventually presented with an unimaginably brighter future.
Bishop Emeritus Dr Ambrose Moyo author, academician, peace practitioner, Founder and Executive Director of the Ecumenical Church Leaders Forum, and Former Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe