Bloomsbury Continuum (London 2022). Hbk. 304 pages. £14.18.
I did not expect to enjoy reading this book, or to find it one which could be recommended to colleagues in church and secular settings. But the vast majority is written in an engaging style, with content illustrated by real examples, and I have already told at least two colleagues in different contexts about it.
The book is introduced with a thought-provoking poem (unattributed), followed by reflection on the Stalingrad icon, likening the fragility of the incarnate child to the fragility of reconciliation. Reconciliation ‘must transform the lives of the weak, it must protect and it must go on trying’. The sections of the book are set out. The aim of the book is ‘to encourage peace-building at all levels… turning the abstract idea of reconciliation into something that can be done throughout life’.
Part 1 opens by defining reconciliation – the transformation of destructive conflict into disagreeing well. The way in which Welby seeks to apply the term immediately seems broader than I initially expected, as he mentions not only war and family conflict, but also competition, politics and climate change. He points out that reconciliation is hard because there are many immediate challenges whereas payoffs are long term. Some of the hindrances to reconciliation can be the difficulty of sacrifice by those with power or advantage, balancing honour and shame (particularly in a context of social media), and the importance of attention to neurochemistry. Also, as with antibiotics, recognising that one should ‘always complete the course’ – in other words, continue to pay attention to the issues, not seek a quick fix.
Welby asks where resources might come from to overcome the structures which so often overwhelm people. He suggests five. First, moral imagination – looking at new and previously unimaginable possibilities. ‘Can … we imagine an alternative … that takes us on the hard and stony path of peace?’ He indicates that this is the responsibility of leadership. Second, and probably most fundamental to reconciliation, is what he calls a holistic focus: a focus which is top down, middle out and bottom up all at once, all linked and inclusive. Third, partnership is critical: assembling a team. Fourth, reconciliation requires a commitment to truth and transparency. Fifth, reconcilers must embrace complexity: simplifying complex issues leads to ‘misdiagnosis and wrong treatments’ – suggesting ‘it’s a religious problem’, or ‘a tribal issue’ or similar. Welby notes that you cannot heal what you haven’t understood.
Part 2 suggests that peace-building is about the heart. The Coventry model is outlined based around 6 words: researching; relating; relieving need; risking; reconciling; resourcing. Those who act as facilitators need to stand in the middle and extend their arms to everyone – and to work in the background – as servants. Each of the words is then unpacked in a chapter.
Looking at researching, Welby asks what would a good outcome look like? What do you want (is it peace?) The identification of those who matter is critical, because a seat at the table gives legitimacy. Scale also matters. To make reconciliation happen needs relationships founded on love: active love which breaks down barriers. This requires time and commitment, loving and keeping distance. Love should not be blind; suspending judgement must not become the toleration of injustice. Relieving need must be about radical difference. Love may be expressed through all sorts of agencies, in partnership. There are different risks in each way forward. Mitigating risk is about developing resilience among those involved. Reconciling is a long journey. It requires a fresh approach to justice and a realistic search for truth. The most important question is how to approach the demands of opposing parties for truth and justice.
Part 3 focuses around ‘The Difference Course’, and its underlying principles. These are being curious, being present, and reimagining. Then three examples are explored at a high level: climate change, racial and ethnic differences and populism. Welby notes that ‘safety for our future is not found by seeking it, but by engaging with those who challenge us.’ This book is well written and addresses issues of importance to most who work with people and communities. It is a good starting place in addressing conflict. I commend it to you.
Pauline Pearson is Vicar of St Columba’s Church, Wideopen, Tyne and Wear.