Reconciliation: Potential and Limits of a Guiding Concept in Peace Ethics
Early last year, the German bishops published their peace statement “Peace to this household”. In it, they reaffirm the central theme of Christian peace ethics: reconciliation and the associated process of dealing with a violent past. The “shaping presence” of a past burdened by violence continues to echo under the surface, according to the bishops, and hinders the development of good relationships. Therefore, as part of the approach to violence prevention, it is important not to let the past rest. Knowing the power of the deepest wounds, we should address the sufferings of others and conditions of injustice in a sensitive way.
