Peter Lang Gmbh, Internationaler Verlag Der Wissenschaften Speaking to Reconciliation: Voices of Faith Addressing Racial and Cultural Divides: 2 (Speaking of Religion)

In North America, Africa, and across the globe, many societies are deeply divided along racial, ethnic, political, or religious lines as a result of violent/oppressive histories. Bridging such divides requires symbolic action that transcends, reframes, redeems, and repairs-often drawing upon resources of faith. Speaking to Reconciliation showcases this tradition through speeches by Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., Elie Wiesel, Desmond Tutu, Barack Obama, Thich Nhat Hanh, Jordan's King Abdullah II, Ireland's President Mary McAleese, and others. Some of these speeches set forth principles or spiritual practices of reconciliation. Others acknowledge injustice, make apologies for historical wrongs, call for reparations, or commend the power of forgiveness. Speaking to Reconciliation presents a conceptual framework for doing analysis and critique of reconciliation discourse and applies this framework in introductions to the speeches, offering readers a springboard for further study and, potentially, inspiration to promote justice and reconciliation in their own spheres. Review "Hatch's book elucidates reconciliation as a process that exceeds the bounds of any single speech. This is especially evident in the book's final case: reconciliation between the United Church of Canada and First Nations people. By retracing speech-acts that occurred between the oppressed and a former oppressor over the course of a dozen years and beyond, Hatch shows us that reconciliation is not a destination, but a dialogic, embodied reality--a way of life." --Naaman K. Wood, Assistant Assistant Professor of Media and Communication Studies, Redeemer University, Ontario "In Speaking to Reconciliation, John B. Hatch has assembled an important collection of voices that will illuminate efforts and conversations on racial reconciliation for years to come. As an Obama scholar, I found Hatch's analysis of Obama's eulogy following the terrorist attack at 'Mother Emanuel' in Charleston, South Carolina, to be especially valuable. I look forward to using this timely book in my research and teaching." --Theon Hill, Assistant Professor of Communication, Wheaton College "The importance of reconciliation in our world today cannot be overstated, yet the concept is frequently presented in confusing or vague terms. Not so in Speaking to Reconciliation. The speeches in this book, together with John B. Hatch's insightful comments about them, bring reconciliation's meanings in particular situations into sharp focus. What is more, Hatch's commentary illuminates how the speeches--drawn from different contexts and diverse faith traditions--speak to one another in significant ways. Students and practitioners of reconciliation stand to benefit greatly from the rich, and even transformative, conversations in this book." --James E. Beitler, Associate Professor of English, Wheaton University "... a significant contribution to the study and practice of reconciliation that should be read by all students and scholars within and beyond the discipline of communication who hope to create a just and equitable world." --Mark L. McPhail, Senior Research Fellow, Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs, Indiana University "... an elegant and accessible overview of strikingly courageous speeches that have drawn from the wellsprings of religious faith to promote reconciliation ... an ideal selection for students and scholars seeking explanatory introductions, historical contextualizations, and analytic insights on reconciliation ..." --David A. Frank, Professor of Rhetoric, University of Oregon " Speaking to Reconciliation is a masterful collection of speeches ... Hatch provides both a theoretical rationale and powerful practical examples of how reconciliation might begin. This is a must-read book for all scholars of rhetoric and race." --Martin J. Medhurst, Distinguished Professor of Rhetoric and Communication, Baylor Un