What does it mean for Christians in Africa to receive the gift and invitation of reconciliation in the midst of the stubborn realities of war, poverty, and violence? Here, Emmanuel Katongole outlines a theological vision of reconciliation as God’s journey with creation—both gift and mission. He then explores the ecclesiological dimension of reconciliation and provides different portraits on why and how the church matters for reconciliation in Africa.
Finally, he draws on stories of peace activists in Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda to illuminate the spiritual and practical disciplines that sustain those who labor for reconciliation.
Emmanuel Katongole is a Ugandan priest and theologian. Founder of the Center for Reconciliation at Duke University, he is professor of theology and peace studies at Notre Dame. His books include The Sacrifice of Africa: A Political Theology for Africa (Eerdmans); Mirror to the Church: Resurrecting Faith after Genocide in Rwanda, with Jonathan Wilson Hartgrove (Zondervan); and Reconciling All Things: A Christian Vision for Justice, Peace and Healing, with Chris Rice (IVP Press).