Mission as Ministry of Reconciliation ed. by Robert Schreiter and Knud Jorgensen

Abstract

Reviewed by: Mission as Ministry of Reconciliation ed. by Robert Schreiter and Knud Jorgensen Gaylan Mathiesen Mission as Ministry of Reconciliation. Edited by Robert Schreiter and Knud Jorgensen. Regnum Edinburgh Centenary Series, Volume 16. Eugene: Wipf & Stock, 2013. 382 pp. There can be no sustainable peace without reconciliation, which has to be preceded by forgiveness and healing of the wounds inflicted on the heart, says Emmanuel Z. Kopwe of Tanzania (190). Uniting perspectives from three key documents sourced in Roman Catholic (Africae Munus), Mainline (Mission as Ministry of Reconcilation) and Evangelical traditions (The Cape Town Commitment), the authors argue that the reconciliation paradigm does not replace, but contains and carries forward preceding paradigms of mission. A delightfully ecumenical work, thirty-two authors from six continents contributed to this remarkable collection. Why now the emergence of reconciliation as a mission paradigm? Globalism, along with massive migrations, secularism, and rapid growth in atheism all contribute to heightened levels of conflict and the need for the church to work for justice and reconciliation and healing. The authors consistently point out that reconciliation with God through the cross of Christ serves as the basis for reconciliation between human beings and between humans and creation. “A [End Page 111] mission that speaks and acts with regard to reconciliation between humans, but fails to proclaim reconciliation with God is a truncated mission that will never accomplish God’s ultimate purpose: the salvation of all into his present and coming kingdom” (86). The book has two parts. Part I explores theological perspectives on the topic, working off, but not limited to, the three documents mentioned above. Robert Schreiter’s chapter opens the study with a helpful exploration of the biblical foundation for the ministry of reconciliation and a historical survey of seven twentieth–century paradigms of mission. He shows how the paradigm of reconciliation contributes to, reframes, or in some cases goes beyond previous paradigms of mission. Subsequent chapters explore the theme in terms of ecumenism, biblical word studies, ecclesial responses to global ethnic and religious plurality, and critiques of indigenous movements that counteract conflict and alienation, such as South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Unfortunately, no reference to any major document from the Orthodox churches is included, but Part I includes a chapter by Orthodox theologian Kyriaki Avtzi. Her ecumenical perspective motivates her to address the need for reconciliation within the church. Part II brings an experiential perspective through case studies from diverse regions that illustrate truth-telling, healing, forgiveness, and justice. Examples presented in Part II include conflicts between ethnicities, churches, and groups of different religious faiths. These illustrate challenges to intervention by religious groups as well as the strengths and advantages religious leaders possess. Ministers of reconciliation must begin with confidence that reconciliation is possible, and must be committed to finding the truth of what happened as they seek a path to forgiveness. In many cases, forgiveness must precede agreement on the next steps. Stein Villumstad’s chapter summarizes some specific lessons learned in Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Sierra Leone (221–22). First, if the heart of the conflict is not religious, progress can still be made in a search for the common good. Second, a common platform of shared values can serve as a strong instrument for joint action in overcoming conflict. Third, when religious communities search for peace, the basis should not be theological dialogue; instead, dialogue becomes the means to joint action. Fourth, when religious leaders step into political and [End Page 112] military conflict, their credibility and legitimacy is strengthened by staying within their primary religious calling. Finally, when governments and religious leaders unite for peace, governments are more likely to take religious leaders seriously. Reading this book is like taking a course on the topic, team-taught by experienced scholars from all over the globe. Anyone interested in justice and the ministry of reconciliation will benefit from it. Gaylan Mathiesen Lutheran Brethren Seminary Fergus Falls, Minnesota Copyright © 2017 Johns Hopkins University Press and Lutheran Quarterly, Inc.