Institute for Healing of Memories:
Director: Fr. Michael Lapsley SSM
Introduction:
The Institute for Healing of Memories was set up on 1st August 1998. It grew out of the Healing of Memories Chaplaincy Project of the Trauma Centre for victims of Violence and Torture.
The Institute for Healing of Memories is a trust which seeks to contribute to the healing journey of individuals, communities and nations.
We offer Healing of Memories activities, such as workshops, seminars, talks and sermons. We are also developing models for dealing with emotions such as anger, hatred and guilt, and processes for reconciliation and forgiveness and an experiential way of learning about and from the past.
At the time when the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was set up, it was obvious that only a minority of South Africans would have the opportunity to tell their story before the Truth Commission. It was argued that platforms needed to be provided for all South Africans to tell their stories, and it was in this context that the Healing of Memories workshops were developed as a parallel process to the then forthcoming Truth Commission.
These workshops have become the principal focus of The Institute for Healing of Memories. The workshops have been run over the past four years in the Western Cape and a national programme has run in co-operation with the South African Council of Churches.
The model has been adapted to suit other situations – in 1998, the first Healing of Memories workshop outside South Africa took place at Riverside Church in New York.
In 1999, workshops were held in Rwanda and Sri Lanka. In February 2000 the first Australian workshop was held in Perth. During 2001 workshops were held in Northern Ireland, Eritrea and Alice Springs in Central Australia.
Mission Statement:
The Institute for the Healing of Memories seeks to contribute to the healing journey of individuals, communities and nations.
Our Approach:
We do this to assist people on their journeys towards healing and wholeness within a safe space.
We offer Healing of Memories activities such as workshops, seminars, talks and sermons. We are developing models for dealing with emotions such as anger, hatred and guilt, and processes for reconciliation and forgiveness.
We seek to be fully inclusive and respectful of diversity; respectful of different faith communities and belief systems.
Workshops
Youth Development
Newsletter: Footprint
For more information please visit the website.