One of the statues of the Reconciliation Triangle by Broadbent Studio. For more information, see the link below.

2 Corinthians 5:17-19 (NRSV)
So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us.

Reconciliation is the physical demonstration that God is at work in the world. Any fool can put people at odds. Only God – one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all – can bring those opposed to one another together as sisters and brother. When we lose reconciliation, we lose the purposes of Jesus.
– Sean Palmer, Missing the Point

Running throughout our sacred texts, traditions, and experience is the thread of God’s desire for union, inclusivity, non-violence, trust, patience, and healing.– Richard Rohr

Forgiving and being reconciled to our enemies or our loved ones are not about pretending that things are other than they are. It is not about patting one another on the back and turning a blind eye to the wrong. True reconciliation exposes the awfulness, the abuse, the hurt, the truth. It could even sometimes make things worse. It is a risky undertaking but in the end it is worthwhile, because in the end only an honest confrontation with reality can bring real healing. Superficial reconciliation can bring only superficial healing.
– Desmond Tutu

We have not come to compete with one another.
We have come to complete one another. – Bill McCartney

Extended quote from Compassion in Practice: The Way of Jesus by Frank Rogers Jr.
Radical compassion in the face of violence invites the offender into a right and appropriate relationship. Jesus yearns for reconciliation – the estranged will be reunited, enemies will heal their differences, and perpetrators of violence will be restored to the communities that they betrayed. Radical compassion hopes for such reconciliation, and invites it even with those who act egregiously.

Reconciliation, however, is neither naive nor cavalier. Reconciliation has conditions. It requires the following:

• Repentance. The violent or abusive person repents and admits the wrong he or she committed.
• Remorse. He or she shows remorse for the pain his or her actions caused.
• Restitution. He or she makes restitution, if only symbolically, in an attempt to restore that which was lost.
• Rehabilitation. He or she commits to take steps toward his or her recovery so that further violation no longer occurs.

The response to injustice is to share.
The response to despair is a limitless trust and hope.
The response to prejudice and hatred is forgiveness.
To work for community is to work for humanity.
– L’Arche Founder Jean Vanier, Community and Growth

Violence, no matter how dramatic, doesn’t change anything. The world is already full of it, and more of it is just more of it. What actually changes the world is when the violence stops. It’s when the wounds and fears that drive our violence are healed. It’s when people who are bitter or afraid are reconciled. It’s forgiveness, kindness and nonviolence. What changes the world is the slow, quiet, gradual work of mending the human soul.
– Steve Garnaas Holmes, Conspiracy

The only Hebrew Scriptures that [Jesus] quotes are those that move toward mercy and justice and inclusivity. There are scriptures that present God as punitive, imperialistic, or exclusionary, but Jesus never quotes them in his teaching. In fact, he speaks against them…. Jesus was not changing the Father’s mind about us; he was changing our mind about God—and thus about one another. If God and Jesus are not hateful, violent, punitive, torturing, or vindictive, then our excuse for the same is forever taken away from us. – Richard Rohr, What Jesus Says about God

John 14:27 NRSV
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.

Give me peace by Steve Garnaas-Holmes
Terrible things have happened.
God, grant me acceptance.

People have been hurtful.
Give me forgiveness.

I am not done being hurt by what has happened.
Help me let go.

I also have done terrible things.
Forgive me.

I am afraid of my own guilt.
Heal me of my shame.

I want so desperately to be “good” that I need others to be “bad.”
Release me from judging.

I am angry because I feel powerless.
Give me peace.

I am afraid of my vulnerability.
Give me peace.

I am addicted to my fear and anger.
Give me peace.

In fear, I desire more violence, that others bear my pain.
Give me peace.

My anxiety, like a gun, makes me feel safe and powerful.
Give me peace.

This world is in need of healing.
Give me your peace, that I may be healing,
for this alone is your desire.
Amen.

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The Reconciliation Triangle consists of three memorials in three different cities confessing their role in human trafficking, asking for forgiveness, and vowing to continue to work for justice in this matter. Click here for more details of this powerful project.

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