Durham E-Theses A Theology of Restitution as Embodied Reconciliation: A Study of Restitution in a Reconciliation Process in Worcester, South Africa HILLS, SARAH,ANN How to cite: HILLS, SARAH,ANN (2015) A Theology of Restitution as Embodied Reconciliation: A Study of Restitution in a Reconciliation Process in Worcester, South Africa, Durham theses, Durham University. Available at Durham E-Theses Online: http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/11027/ Use policy The full-text may be used and/or reproduced, and given to third parties in any format or medium, without prior permission or charge, for personal research or study, educational, or not-for-prot purposes provided that: • a full bibliographic reference is made to the original source • a link is made to the metadata record in Durham E-Theses • the full-text is not changed in any way The full-text must not be sold in any format or medium without the formal permission of the copyright holders. Please consult the full Durham E-Theses policy for further details. Academic Support Oce, Durham University, University Oce, Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3HP e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +44 0191 334 6107 http://etheses.dur.ac.uk 2 A Theology of Restitution as Embodied Reconciliation: A Study of Restitution in a Reconciliation Process in Worcester, South Africa Sarah Ann Hills Doctor of Philosophy Department of Theology and Religion Durham University 2014 1 Sarah Hills A Theology of Restitution as Embodied Reconciliation: A Study of Restitution in a Reconciliation Process in Worcester, South Africa Abstract This thesis explores the concept of restitution through the questions, 'How adequate are the current understandings of restitution in relation to the reconciliation journey?', and 'What would a theology of restitution based on a broader understanding look like?' The nature and role of restitution, or rather its lack, began to seem key to the process of reconciliation. Restitution in the South African context seemed to be little regarded or acted upon. The hope is that this thesis will make a new contribution to the current understanding of the theology of restitution and as such, provide a bridge from theory to praxis, in order to further the work of reconciliation and healing in situations of conflict, wherever they may arise. The argument that reconciliation without restitution is at best, only partial, and needs to be based in praxis, led to engaging with a community reconciliation process in Worcester, Western Cape, to seek to understand with them what restitution means, and how it is enacted. The thesis is based in practical theology in conversation with qualitative research. Twelve interviews and in-depth fieldwork were conducted. Thematic comparative analysis of the data allowed themes to be identified from the interview and observational records, and included cycles of theological reflection. Exploration of emerging key themes led to the conception of restitution as broader than currently understood: as relational, radical, embodied and embracing. Themes of 'eucharistic space', gift, and embodiment relate restitution to the Eucharist and the body of Christ, as something sacramental, tangible, and communal. The thesis argues that a Eucharistic understanding of restitution and a restitutionary understanding of Eucharist, arrived at through the empirical work, enables a broader understanding of the theology of restitution, which thus enables transformative praxis in the journey towards reconciliation with God and with each other. 2 Table of Contents List of Tables ................................................................................................................ 8 List of Illustrations ...................................................................................................... 8 Acknowledgements .................................................................................................... 11 1. Introduction: The Problem of Restitution-'Topography' ................................. 13 1.1 Introduction: Bicycle Theology ...................................................................... 13 1.2 The 'Problem' of Restitution: Aims and Context. Why Restitution? Why South Africa? Why me? ........................................................................................ 14 1.3 Who is this Research for? ............................................................................... 18 1.4 The Human Face of Reconciliation ................................................................ 19 1.5 Current Thinking: Theological and South African ...................................... 21 1.6 Methodology: Qualitative Research .............................................................. 22 1.7 Findings: What Might a Theology of Restitution Look Like? .................... 29 1.8 Synopsis of Chapters ....................................................................................... 29 2. South African Context: History and Current Practice-'A Rough Guide' ........ 31 2.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................... 31 2.2 Apartheid .......................................................................................................... 32 2.3 Post-Apartheid ................................................................................................. 37 2.3.1 Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) ....................................... 38 2.3.2 From the TRC to the Situation Today .................................................... 40 2.4 Reconciliation: Models in Action ................................................................... 46 2.4.1 The Institute for Healing of Memories ................................................... 47 2.4.2 Restitution Foundation ............................................................................ 48 2.4.3 Other Models ............................................................................................ 49 2.4.3.1 Khulumani .......................................................................................... 50 2.4.3.2 The Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation ............. 50 2.4.3.3 The Institute for Justice and Reconciliation ................................... 50 2.4.3.4 The Black Sash Trust ........................................................................ 51 2.4.3.5 Local and Other Processes ................................................................ 51 2.5 Fieldwork Site: Worcester .............................................................................. 52 2.5.1 Apartheid and Afterwards: Worcester's Involvement ......................... 52 2.5.2 Worcester Hope and Reconciliation Process (WHRP) ......................... 54 2.6 Conclusion ........................................................................................................ 55 3. Reconciliation: Meanings and Components-‘Mapping the Journey’ .............. 57 3.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................... 57 3.2 The Messiness of Reconciliation: Definitions? .............................................. 61 3.3 Dancing at the Crossroads: The Process of Reconciliation ......................... 65 3.4 Reconciliation and its Components ................................................................ 71 3.4.1 Repentance and Reconciliation ............................................................... 71 3.4.2 Forgiveness and Reconciliation ............................................................... 72 3.4.3 Justice and Reconciliation ....................................................................... 79 3.4.4 Truth and Reconciliation ......................................................................... 82 3.5 Conclusion ........................................................................................................ 83 4.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................... 88 4.2 The Journey of Restitution. ............................................................................ 88 4.3 What is Restitution? ........................................................................................ 88 4.3.1 Legal Origins ............................................................................................. 90 4.3.1.1 Restorative Justice ............................................................................. 92 4.3.1.2 Transitional or Transformative Justice ........................................... 94 4.3.2 An Expanded View of Restitution ........................................................... 96 3 4.3.2.1 Restitution of Personhood ................................................................. 97 4.4 Theology of Restitution ................................................................................... 99 4.4.1 Restitution as Embodied Reconciliation ............................................... 101 4.4.2 The Next Steps on the Journey .............................................................. 107 4.4.2.1 Restitution as a Radical Path .......................................................... 108 4.4.2.2 Restitution as a Relational Path: Ubuntu ..................................... 110 4.4.2.3 Restitution as a Path of Embodied Praxis ..................................... 112 4.4.2.4 Restitution as a Path of Embrace ................................................... 114 4.5 Conclusion .....................................................................................................