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Summary

Chapman, Audrey R (2002). Perspectives on Reconciliation Within the Religious Community In, Audrey R. Chapman and Bernard Spong, eds, Religion and Reconciliation in South Africa. Voices of Religious Leaders. Philadelphia and London: Templeton Foundation Press. Pp. 282-301.

As Audrey Chapman remarks, the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was notable in at least two ways: one, it emphasized both truth and reconciliation; and two, religious thinkers and clergy played major roles in it. Thus, South Africa’s post-apartheid context and the experience of the TRC provide an opportunity to examine the process of reconciliation in a transitional society and the efficacy of various strategies for promoting reconciliation. The TRC model also raises issues about how to conceptualize reconciliation and its requirements. Chapman explores all of this through consideration of political and religious approaches to reconciliation, forgiveness, confession, restitution, and economic justice.

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