Abstract:
In the eyes of many, chairing the South African Truth
and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was the crowning
contribution of Archbishop Desmond Tutu to his country,
and to the world at large. Against the backdrop of his role
leading the TRC, chairing the many victims’ hearings and
guiding the amnesty proceedings, the article focuses on
Tutu’s views on forgiveness, reconciliation, and justice.
The TRC operated within the mandates given to it by the
South African parliament, but Tutu with his theological
background, strong views, and dynamic personality put
his own stamp on the truth and reconciliation process in
South Africa. The role of religion in establishing truth and
working towards justice, forgiveness, and reconciliation
was controversial, but for the former Anglican Archbishop
of Cape Town, it was inconceivable to embark on the
journey of reconciliation without faith in Jesus Christ, the
ultimate Reconciler.
