Words, Weaving, and Reconciliation: Out of Many, One People

Abstract

This essay, written by TWP co-ordinator and a co-leader for a TWP workshop in Jamaica (August 2024), uses the image of weaving alongside of the Jamaican motto, ‘Out of Many, One People,’ to consider concepts of sin, guilt, repair, and reconciliation.  This is firstly explored within the context of trauma and repair relating to the Transatlantic Trade and African-Caribbean contemporary dialogues, but econdly as an ongoing aspect of our human nature, highlighting the continual propensity towards devaluing and dehumanizing the other, and our need to be reconciled with ourselves and with God in order to love our neighbours well.