Inter-Religious Council Leads National Reconciliation Drive

Open Letter To His Grace Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles, President, Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone

His Grace Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles

President, Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone

Freetown

Sierra Leone

Subject: Concerns and Solutions for the Ongoing National Reconciliation Drive

Your Grace Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits, I write to you today as a concerned citizen of Sierra Leone, deeply invested in the pursuit of true reconciliation within our nation. I would like to express my appreciation for your leadership as the President of the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone and commend the efforts of the council in fostering peace and understanding among our diverse communities.

However, I write this letter with some concerns about the current state of the national reconciliation drive. After watching the short video you recently released, I found it difficult to comprehend the message being conveyed. True reconciliation, as I understand it, is a complex and personal process that necessitates several crucial steps, each of which carries its own significance.

As someone who has high expectations of the Inter-Religious Council due to my experience in the religious media outlet, I believe that acknowledging the conflict is the first step towards resolution. It requires recognizing and accepting the existence of a conflict or disagreement that demands our attention. By avoiding or denying the problem, we risk prolonging the reconciliation process and hindering the healing of our nation.

Taking responsibility is equally vital in the reconciliation journey. All parties involved must acknowledge their actions, attitudes, and contributions to the conflict. Genuine remorse, sincere apologies, and acceptance of any wrongdoing pave the way for a path towards reconciliation.

Open and honest communication is the cornerstone of reconciliation. Engaging in respectful and non-confrontational dialogue allows for the exchange of feelings, thoughts, and concerns. By genuinely listening to each other’s perspectives and seeking to understand differing viewpoints, we can foster empathy and build bridges of understanding.

Identifying the underlying issues that have contributed to the conflict is paramount. By reflecting on past experiences, personal biases, and unmet needs, we can gain insights into the root causes of the conflict. Understanding these factors enables us to develop strategies that prevent future conflicts and sustain lasting reconciliation.

Finding common ground is a vital aspect of rebuilding relationships. Shared values, interests, or goals provide a foundation for unity and encourage a mutual desire for reconciliation. By emphasizing our shared humanity, we can transcend our differences and work together towards a harmonious society.

Rebuilding trust is an essential element in the reconciliation process. Demonstrating trustworthy behaviour, consistency, and fulfilling commitments are crucial for restoring a healthy relationship. Though rebuilding trust takes time and effort, it is indispensable for the success of any reconciliation endeavour.

Forgiveness and letting go of negative emotions are integral components of reconciliation. While forgiveness does not entail forgetting or condoning the actions that caused the conflict, it does involve releasing resentment, grudges, and the desire for revenge. Forgiveness frees us from the burden of negativity and allows us to move forward towards a brighter future.

Your Grace, my concern lies in the challenge we face when one party to the conflict adamantly believes that nothing went wrong. Reconciliation becomes elusive when there is an unwillingness to acknowledge any wrongdoing or accept responsibility. We must address this issue to ensure a fair and comprehensive reconciliation process. You cannot reconcile by sweeping the issues under the carpet.

In light of these concerns, I kindly request that the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone plays an active role in promoting dialogue and understanding among all stakeholders involved in the reconciliation process. Encouraging open conversations that foster empathy and inviting diverse perspectives can help bridge the gap between conflicting parties.

Furthermore, I propose that the council speaks with its members to emphasize the importance of remaining apolitical. By upholding impartiality, the Inter-Religious Council can maintain the respect it has garnered over the years and continue to serve as a trusted mediator and advocate for reconciliation.

Lastly, I humbly suggest that the council engages in public awareness campaigns, focusing on the importance of reconciliation and the steps required to achieve it. By educating the public about the significance of acknowledging the conflict, taking responsibility, and fostering open communication, we can encourage a culture of reconciliation throughout our society.

Your Grace, I appreciate your dedication to the cause of national reconciliation, and I must reiterate that as someone who has worked in a religious media outlet for several years, I have high expectations of the Inter-Religious Council. I trust that with your esteemed leadership and the council’s efforts, we can overcome the current stalemate and pave the way for a united and harmonious Sierra Leone.

Thank you for your attention to these concerns and for your ongoing efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in our beloved nation.

Yours sincerely,

Christian Conteh

Journalist