Abstract:
The psalmist is deeply convinced that God is a reliable addressee to whom those hurt,
traumatised and grieving may turn. Churches, by their mandate to share God’s lovingkindness,
are obliged to provide opportunities, counselling and pastoral care to those who
suffer from violations in their lives. Representatives of the church will do so by proclaiming
God’s compassion and pitifulness. This obligation is all the more important as it can be
observed that Christians, congregations and churches have oftentimes been part and parcel of
processes that caused harm, hurt and trauma to their members or other people.
Description:
Keynote Address to the 60th Synodical Convention of the Free Evangelical-Lutheran Synod in South Africa, Christ-Church, Kirchdorf,
Wartburg, 09 September 2016.
