Learning to forgive
The issue of reconciliation confronts post-colonial societies throughout the world today. Few countries have done more to attempt to restore some sort of social equilibrium through reconciliation projects than post-Apartheid South Africa. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission which operated after the Apartheid era attempted to provide a way for South African society to move forward after a history marked by terrible inter-racial violence. Father Michael Lapsley, Director of Institute for the Healing of Memories in Cape Town, is currently in Australia sharing his insights into the reconciliation processes in both South Africa and East Timor. He spoke with Tristan Burt about his first-hand experience of violence at the hands of the Apartheid regime of F. W. de Klerk.