The Worldwide Church - Reconciliation

• Reconciliation: The act of agreement after a quarrel, the resolution of a dispute.
• Sacrament of Reconciliation: One of the Church's Sacraments of Healing and Forgiveness; the sacrament through which those who sin are reconciled with God and the Church.
• Irish Churches Peace Project: Aims to develop peace and understanding between the Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland.
• World Council of Churches: Included different denominations and promoted dialogue between Christians and members of other faiths.
• Community of the Cross of Nails: Based in Coventry Cathedral. The community showed forgiveness to those who bombed the cathedral during WWII and works with partners in other countries to bring peace.
• Cross of Nails: Three nails from the original building of Canterbury Cathedral were made into a cross, becoming a powerful symbol of friendship and hope after the war.
• The Corrymeela Community: Brings together people from different backgrounds in Northern Ireland to build trust and explore ways of moving away from violence and towards working together.
• Archbishop Desmond Tutu: A South African Reverend who fought against apartheid in the 1980s. When apartheid ended he chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission where the perpetrators of acts of violence asked their victims for forgiveness which the victims then granted.
• The tearing of the Temple curtain: The Temple curtain tore in half when Jesus died, representing the reconciliation between God and humanity as Jesus' death destroyed the barrier of sin that had come between their relationship.
• Crucifixion of Jesus: Jesus died so that humanity could be reconciled with God. Therefore, reconciliation is an important part of Christianity.
• Matthew 5:23-24 Quote and meaning: "If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." Christians should be reconciled with each other before they can reconcile with God.