Reconciliation in Times of Conflict: Stories of Hope

This panel focuses on reconciliation and peace-building amid suffering and conflict. Ivan Rusyn shares his experiences from Ukraine, emphasizing ‘theology of a hug’, where presence and compassion help ease suffering in war. He highlights the necessity of justice in any lasting peace, reminding the audience that reconciliation without justice is incomplete. Rula Mansour from Palestine discusses reconciliation theology, stressing the importance of moving beyond divided pasts toward shared futures. She calls on the church to foster truth, forgiveness, and justice to build lasting peace. Daniel Kyungu from the DRC reflects on living with a disability and how his experience drives his passion for reconciliation. He urges the church to model love and forgiveness, particularly toward the vulnerable. The final speaker,Emmanuel Ndikumana from Burundi, shares his realization that forgiveness is God’s given means to liberate first the victim then the perpetrator of violence, highlighting forgiveness as a transformative tool for breaking cycles of violence. The panel concludes with a call to the church to lead in promoting justice, healing, and reconciliation.
For more information go to Reconciliation in Times of Conflict: Stories of Hope on the Lausanne Movement website or on youtube.
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