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So why can't we just "move on" after Jan 6 as many republican lawmakers are suggesting we do?
There are many reasons - both logical and theological. 1/
There are many reasons - both logical and theological. 1/
Desmond Tutu talks about how a country "moves on" from the violence and harm it both perpetrates and experiences. We would do well to listen to his wisdom. (See "The Book of Forgiving") 2/
Forgiveness is a process. The first step in that process is for there to be confession. Tell the story. Acknowledgement on the part of the perpetrators that they have done harm. Tell the truth about a situation. (Hint: We are not even to this step yet...) 3/
The second is for the perpetrators to allow those they harmed to name their hurt. In our case we have a lot of hurts to recognize. In the immediate, those whose lives were threatened, endangered and lost on capitol hill. 4/
But more systemically - getting at the core of what led up to this... We need to wrestle mightily with and listen to the stories of oppression and racism white culture has perpetuated on this society. It's at the core of what happened on Wed... 5/
and continues to be an ongoing threat to the stability of our society.
Third step is the forgiveness. Forgiveness is not a subversion of justice. Holding people accountable is not vengeance or revenge. 6/
Third step is the forgiveness. Forgiveness is not a subversion of justice. Holding people accountable is not vengeance or revenge. 6/
Once the steps of confession and repentance have taken place, granting forgiveness for the harm can begin. It does not mean the harm is forgotten. We are not served by forgetting history. Forgiveness can take many forms, however. 7/
It may take the form of pardons or amnesty - but again you can't get to that stage without the other two first. It may also wait until after the penance for the hurt has been completed.
Fourth stage is renewal or release of the relationship. 8/
Fourth stage is renewal or release of the relationship. 8/
We have a long way to go before those who have been harmed decide what steps 3 & 4 look like in this country.
But no. We cannot just "move on" and skip the hard work of confession, accountability and repentance. /end
But no. We cannot just "move on" and skip the hard work of confession, accountability and repentance. /end
