Theologies of Reconciliaton
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David Tombs, 'Siphiwo Mthimkhulu, Daniel Grootboom and the Art of Forgiveness' (Fortress Academic 2018). Otago archive.
David Tombs, ‘Public Theology and Reconciliation’ (Brill 2017). Open access.
David Tombs, 'Towards a Public Theology of Reconciliation in Northern Ireland' (EOS 2015). Otago archive .
Nicola Morris and David Tombs, ‘“A Solid and United Phalanx”?: Protestant Churches and the Ulster Covenant, 1912-2012’ in John Wolfe, ed. Catholics, Protestants and Muslims: Irish Religious Conflict in Comparative Perspective (2014). Otago archive.
David Tombs, 'Archbishop Romero and Reconciliation in El Salvador’ (Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2012). More info.
David Tombs, ‘The Meaning of Reconciliation’ (Corrymeela 2012). Corrymeela site.
David Tombs, 'Unspeakable Violence: The UN Truth Commissions in El Salvador and Guatemala' (Ashgate 2006). Open access.
David Tombs and Joseph Liechty, Explorations in Reconciliation: New Directions in Theology (Ashgate 2006). Open access.
David Tombs, ‘The Theology of Reconciliation and the “Recovery of Memory Project” in Guatemala’ (Ashgate 2006). Open access.
From 2001-2013 I lived and worked in Belfast and taught on a Master’s degree on Reconciliation Studies offered by the Irish School of Ecumenics, Trinity College Dublin. The Belfast (or Good Friday) Agreement of April 1998 was an important political settlement but social reconciliation in a divided society remained a challenge. During my time in Belfast I learnt much about the importance of peace, justice, truth, memory, trauma, and transformation in the aftermath of conflict. My writings on reconciliation seek to address the complexity of these challenges and the theological resources that can help or hinder a constructive and sustainable approach. I discuss the positive role that churches can have in promoting reconciliation—as well as the dangers of ‘cheap reconciliation’—as well as the importance of human dignity, the value of dialogue, and the gifts and risks of forgiveness.
See further
The chapter. ‘Public Theology and Reconciliation’ (2017).
The paper for Corrymeela, ‘The Meaning of Reconciliation’ (2013).
The book (co-edited with Joseph Liechty), Explorations in Reconciliation: New Directions in Theology(2006).
Links to other publications through the links at the top of this page.