Learning From Rwanda

Last night I got to see a new documentary called As We Forgive. The one hour film tells the story of Rwandans struggling to find ways to live together in the wake of the genocide that happened there in 1994. In 100 days - in a country the size of Maryland - more than one million Rwandans were slaughtered in ethnic fighting. Years later, facing a backlogged court system that would never provide justice, President Kigame began releasing those who confessed their crimes to their communities. Local tribal courts began dispensing justice. But in most cases these punishments allowed the murderers to remain in their home communities . . . often living very close to the remaining family members of their victims.

What would it be like to live side by side with the murderers of your parents, your spouse or your children? In Rwanda many people have no choice since poverty prevents the luxury of mobility. The Rwandan Government and Rwandan churches are encouraging victims to reconcile with each other. So far its a dicey proposition. But the movie tells the story of three people who have entered into that process as well as two self-confessed murderers who seek forgiveness. I won't spoil the story for you but let's just say it isn't a smooth journey.

What sticks out to me are the pronounced differences in both the victims and the criminals as compared to what I've seen in America. The murderers are completely honest about their actions. They neither excuse or blame. Several times they admit that death isn't punishment enough for their crimes. Meanwhile, the victims don't minimize the pain they experience. Their lives are wrecked and will never be the same. They continue to suffer from the lasting impact of violence. When they consider forgiveness it isn't just a blithe agreement to hide their true feelings in order to be socially acceptable. It's real, heart freeing, forgiveness.

What I'm wondering today is whether our American society has created a barrier to that kind of real reconciliation. Rwandan's sit under trees and face each other. In America, the families of our victims stand in courtrooms and scream epithets at the accused usually ending with the fervent hope that they burn in Hell forever. When we hear of a prisoner being killed in jail we laugh. We Americans have made prison rape a joke.

Let's be clear, crime deserves real punishment. Those victims are right to feel the way they feel. But does anyone ever heal? Does anyone ever get over the past? I don't really have the answers, but I know a little more about what heaven looks like after watching this documentary.

Please find a way to see this movie. Also consider supporting the groups working to lead people towards reconciliation. They are woefully underfunded. Besides supporting the film, you can learn more by visiting Prison Fellowship International's Umuvumu Tree Project.

These issues aren't easy to discuss or even think about. But somehow I think our quest for justice has given us neither justice or reconciliation . . . we're poorer for that.