Comments on: An Ability to Speak Truth

By: mrmarkfinney

mrmarkfinney — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 16:50:38 +0000

Ellen, thank you for your post. I’ve not considered the role of interpreters in reconciliation before, even though I often work with interpreters in my vocation (serving refugees). I think you make an important connection — communication is often one of the most vital ways that humans are created to connect and language barriers are a form of isolation and division that separate us at a fundamental level. Whether literally or metaphorically, it is important — perhaps essential — for anyone who lives in the space of reconciliation and peacemaking to be multi-linguagal.

By: Rebecca Cataldi, NA-22

Rebecca Cataldi, NA-22 — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 01:36:49 +0000

Ellen, I really loved reading your reflection. I’ve often wished that I knew ASL and I have such a deep admiration for people who do and who can translate so fluently. I think translators bring such an amazing gift to the world by being a bridge, and opening a door of connection, between people who otherwise would not understand each other and otherwise might not even attempt to try to communicate with each other. It occurs to me in reflecting on your post that reconciliation also is a way of building a bridge where there was none, or repairing one that was damaged. I never really thought about the parallels/connections between translation and reconciliation before…Thank you for inspiring new thoughts!

By: Jer Swigart

Jer Swigart — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 13:59:23 +0000

Ellen. Thank you for this portal into your life and formation. To get conversations started, especially among emerging peacemakers, I ask the question: “Are peacemakers born or are they formed?” In this reflection, you guide us to consider the latter and that our formation as reconcilers often happens to us. I’m grateful for the ways in which you have been formed into a mediator, a translator, and a non-anxious presence in the context of your relationship with your brother. I wonder in what other ways you have been shaped as an embodied peacemaker through this kinship? I hope to learn of these practices more from you on the road ahead.