Witnesses of Mercy for Peace and Reconciliation

40 he first day’s presentations on mercy by religious leaders from diverse traditions showed that mercy is common between all these religions, yet that one concept is rich in the nuances of its explanation and of its practice. For all pointed out that mercy is not abstract. In this chapter, through the witnesses of mercy for peace and reconciliation coming from seven countries, we will be able to see mercy manifested in reality, and sometimes in the harshest reality. It is in those harsh realities where mercy is most needed, that it is most powerful. Thus, each person presenting on the second day of this symposium is an exemplar of mercy. These witnesses, from a variety of cultural and reli- gious backgrounds, have had their actions and positions rooted in their own faith. They show us, though, that they are not only beacons of hope for people of their own religious backgrounds but an inspiration to any person who opens up to the religious and life experience of people of strong faith and strong will, whatever their background may be. In this chapter, reflecting the discussions that followed the presentations, each participant will share what of these stories resonates in our lives, our experience, our quest and our mission. These thoughts will be gathered into learnings from each panel. Introduction from Dr. Nayla Tabbara and Rev. Prof. Fadi Daou T WITNESSING MERCY FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIAT ION