1. The Meaning of Reconciliation
Dynamics of Reconciliation - Week M.Phil in Reconciliation Studies
Trinity College Dublin Irish School of Ecumencis
The Meaning of Reconciliation
Dynamics of Reconciliation – Week 2 Dr. David Tombs
Dr. David Tombs,

2. Definitions of Reconciliation Oxford English Dictionary
Dynamics of Reconciliation - Week M.Phil in Reconciliation Studies
Trinity College Dublin Irish School of Ecumencis
Definitions of Reconciliation Oxford English Dictionary
‘The action of reconciling persons, or the result of this; the fact of being reconciled’
Dr. David Tombs,

3. Definitions of Reconciliation Latin Etymology
‘Calling together again’ or ‘Calling back together’
Re ‘again’;
conciliatio ‘bringing together’ or ‘assembling’ (derived from con = together and calo/calare = to call or summon)

4. Definitions of Reconciliation Simple definition – Reforming Relationships
‘Reforming’ can cover both ‘re-forming’ relationships (ie re-establishing a good relationship that went bad) and ‘reforming’ ie changing and transforming a relationship that has always been bad.

5. Definitions of Reconciliation Fuller definition
Restoring and transforming relationships that have been harmed by conflict, so that they reflect a shared humanity and seek a shared future based on truth, justice, mercy and peace

6. Definitions of Reconciliation IDEA Handbook
[Reconciliation is] ‘a process through which society moves from a divided past to shared future’.
From David Bloomfield et al., (eds) Reconciliation After Violent Conflict: A Handbook (Stockholm: IDEA, 2003), p. 12.

7. Definitions of Reconciliation John Paul Lederach
‘Reconciliation can thus be understood as both a focus and a locus. As a perspective, it is built on and oriented toward the relational aspects of a conflict. As a social phenomenon, reconciliation represents a space, a place or location of encounter, where parties to a conflict meet.’
John Paul Lederach, Building Peace: Sustainable Reconciliation in Divided Societies (Washington: USIP, 1997), p. 30.

8. Definitions of Reconciliation Byron Bland
‘reconciliation is ultimately about learning to live together again’
Byron Bland, ‘The Post-Troubles Trouble: The Politics of Reconciliation in Northern Ireland’ (unpublished paper).

9. Definitions of Reconciliation Democratic Dialogue
‘Our working hypothesis is that reconciliation is a necessary process following conflict. However, we believe it is a voluntary act and cannot be imposed. It involves five interwoven and related strands:

10. Definitions of Reconciliation Democratic Dialogue
developing a shared vision of an interdependent and fair society;
acknowledging and dealing with the past;
building positive relationships;
significant cultural and attitudinal change;
substantial social, economic and political change.’
Brandon Hamber and Gráinne Kelly, A Place for Reconciliation? Conflict and Locality in Northern Ireland (Democratic Dialogue Report 18. Belfast: September, 2005, p. 49.

11. Reconciliation at different social levels
Personal level
Small Scale (Micro)
Group level
Medium Scale (Meso)
Structural and Societal level
Large Scale (Macro)

12. Personal level Reconciliation for personal conflicts arising from:
Psychological tensions
Intra-personal
Tensions between individuals
Inter-personal

13. The Group Level Reconciliation for group conflicts arising from:
Tensions within the family and wider kin
Tensions between friends
Tensions between colleagues and/or fellow workers
Tensions within local communities
Tensions within voluntary organisations

14. The Structural and Societal Level
Dynamics of Reconciliation - Week M.Phil in Reconciliation Studies
Trinity College Dublin Irish School of Ecumencis
The Structural and Societal Level
Reconciliation for structural and societal conflicts arising from resource competition and/or large group identity issues including:
Ethnicity and race
Religion and culture
Party politics
National identities
Gender
Economic and class differences
Dr. David Tombs,

15. Some conceptual clarifications A spectrum for personal reconciliation
For individuals in the aftermath of personal conflict:
Minimal - Able to attend the same events
Moderate - Willingness to speak together and/or work together
Maximal - Positively valuing others and enjoying relations with them

16. Some conceptual clarifications A spectrum for societal reconciliation
For societies in the aftermath of collective conflict
Minimal - Acceptance of Co-existence
Moderate - Mutual Co-operation
Maximal - Positive Commitment to Sharing Society