This thesis examines the relationship between truth, justice, and reconciliation by comparing the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Rwandan Gacaca Court System. / Graduate

This study focuses on the structure and process of forgiveness as experienced by individuals, from the East London and surrounding areas, who either suffered gross human rights violations or who are related to someone who suffered gross human rights violations during the Apartheid era. Those who participated in the study testified at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and expressed forgiveness towards the perpetrators of the violations. The aims of the study were to reveal: the participants' structure cif forgiveness, i.e. how they define forgiveness; the process of forgiveness, i.e. the changes that took place from the time of the violation up until the participants forgave the perpetrators: and, the relation. if any. between the participants' structure and process of forgiveness. It is argued that mainstream Psychology has neglected to study forgiveness because the subject matter is incompatible with the natural scientific method. For this reason, the study was approached from a hermeneutical paradigm. This was motivated by its ability to explicate the meaning and content of phenomena. Unstructured qualitative interviews were conducted with the participants. Data was analyzed using a multi-layered process of progressively deeper interpretation, employing a reading guide technique. Results indicated that authentic forgiveness is an unconditional commitment on the part of victims and survivors to relate positively towards the perpetrators. The relationship should include non-bitterness, non-vengeance, unconditional love and respect for their human rights. Another significant dimension of the structure of forgiveness is the fact that the desire for the truth is not abandoned although forgiveness has taken place. Forgiveness also does not take away the effects of the violation. This means that one does not forget although forgiveness has been granted. Results further indicate that the forgiveness process is highly complex, individualized and not instantaneous. The individuals have to deal with various intrapersonal conflicts and anxieties as a result of the violation, before forgiveness is explored as an option, and before they can finally forgive. Significant interrelations between the structure and process of forgiveness were also identified.

D.Litt. et Phil. (Philosophy) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

"It is noted that special measures are always necessary in post-conflict situations to bring about the restoration of normalcy to societies. Truth commissions have been identified as a key to uniting, reconciling and helping the people to confidently deal with their past. Whilst these are noble notions, practically, truth commissions face serious challenges. The dissertation shall seek to highlight these problems and offer recommendations. ... The dissertation is divided into five chapters. Chapter one is the general introduction. It gives a brief political history of Ghana and South Africa and their impact on the enjoyment of human rights. The chapter shall also discuss the need for national reconciliation in both countries. Chapter two discusses truth commissions in contemporary societies. It briefly discusses the establishment of national reconciliaton commissions and their mandates. Chapter three focuses on the laws establishing the TRC and NRC of South Africa and Ghana respectively. These legislation shall be considered in detail in order to analyse their objectives to know whether or not thet are achievable within their stated mandates. Chapter four discusses the challenges truth commission poses to international law and its implications on rule of law. The chapter shall discuss the issue of amnesty to perpetrators of gross human rights and the perpetuation of the culture of impunity in the light of international law. Chapter five considers the way forward and suggest recommendations." -- Chapter 1. / Thesis (LLM (Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa))--University of Pretoria, 2003. / http://www.chr.up.ac.za/academic_pro/llm1/dissertations.html / Centre for Human Rights / LLM

MA (Political Science) / Department of Development Studies

No description available.

Infidelity is one of the most prevalent presenting problems in relational therapy. There are many conceptualizations of the healing process following infidelity and suggested interventions and treatment plans. Forgiveness is an essential part of relationship growth and healing interpersonal hurts. Reconciliation is relationship repair that can accompany forgiveness. In addition, restoring trust is essential to reconciliation. Means to accomplish rebuilding trust must be established. This study seeks to expand understanding of the treatment of infidelity specifically on the topics of forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration of trust through disclosure. The Forgiveness vs. Reconciliation and Trust Scale (FvRTS) was developed as a measure for therapists' views and perception concerning these three topics. Through statistical analysis of the FvRTS, which was administered to relational therapists, this study investigates the views and opinions held by therapists concerning the relationship between reconciliation and forgiveness and the role of disclosure, both initial and ongoing, in restoring trust following infidelity. Therapists conveyed the view that reconciliation is not required for forgiveness. However, in their practice they encourage reconciliation following an affair. Results indicated that therapists perceive initial disclosure as having immediate negative impacts. But overall, therapists expressed a strong view that both initial and ongoing disclosure have a positive long term impact on relational healing.

No description available.

[pt] A (tentativa de) reconciliação pelo pedido de desculpa: o caso canadense sob um viés pós-colonial investiga o potencial do pedido de desculpa como ferramenta política. A partir de um panorama de como ele se insere em uma literatura maior sobre memória e trauma, proponho uma análise dos pedidos de desculpa das Igrejas e do Estado no Canadá pelo sistema de escolas residenciais implementado para a assimilação de comunidades indígenas e, mais remotamente, pelas práticas coloniais. Partindo de uma abordagem pós-colonial, sugiro também explorar as construções temporais e a possibilidade de resistência que tal instrumento permite. Mais além, olho para os limites do multiculturalismo do estado canadense, abrindo para se refletir criticamente sobre o fato de, apesar de ter havido iniciativas reconciliatórias através de um esforço discursivo em direção a novas relações não-violentas, observa-se a manutenção de uma marginalização das vítimas. / [en] The (attempt at) reconciliation through apology: the Canadian case from a post-colonial perspective investigates the potential of the apology as a political tool. From an overview of how it fits into a larger literature on memory and trauma, I propose an analysis of church and state apologies in Canada for the residential school system implemented for the assimilation of indigenous communities and, more remotely, for colonial practices. Reflecting on the subject from a postcolonial approach, I also suggest exploring the temporal constructions and the possibility of resistance that such an instrument allows. Beyond that, I look at the limits of multiculturalism in the Canadian state, opening to critically reflect on the fact that, although there have been reconciliation initiatives through a discursive effort towards new nonviolent relations, one observes the maintenance of a marginalization of the victims.

This study is a socio-rhetorical approach to the Pauline theology of reconciliation in 2 Corinthians. Scholars generally focus their attention on where καταλλάσσω and καταλλαγή terminology appears in discussing Paul’s theology of reconciliation. This has led to some scholars reducing Paul’s theology of reconciliation to simply referring to God being reconciled to men and vice versa, while other scholars tend to focus on reconciliation between human beings, almost to the exclusion of reconciliation between God and men. The current research argues that reconciliation with God is intrinsically linked to reconciliation between people in the church. Chapter One of this study looks at areas of disagreement amongst scholars concerning Paul’s theology of reconciliation. Chapter Two reviews the current state of research on Paul and his theology of reconciliation, while Chapter Three discusses the question of the Socio-historical use of the καταλλάσσειν and διαλλάσσειν terminology in the New Testament, and its uniqueness in Paul. In Chapter Four both the literary and historical contexts of Paul’s teachings on reconciliation in 2 Corinthians are explored. In Chapter Five the exegesis of 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:10 is performed and the implications for reconciliation are spelled out. / MA (New Testament), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014