The Center for Reconciliation, in partnership with the Office of Black Church Studies, will host the 2011 Uganda Pilgrimage of Pain & Hope, led by Fr. Emmanuel Katongole. 

Dates
July 22, 2011– August 4, 2011

Vision
A pilgrimage is a journey of discovery, learning and transformation.  It is also a model for Christian mission in our time. The vision of pilgrimage as a model for mission in our time is an attempt to engage an ancient Christian practice as a way to cultivate a deeper understanding of Africa and nurture friendships that lead Christians from outside Africa and those in Africa to see themselves in a fresh light – no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens... and members of God’s household (Eph.2:19). That is the true goal and essence of Christian mission – the gift of the church as a global communion ‘drawn from every nation, race, people and tongue (Rev 7:9). It is the gift of God’s ‘new creation’ that baptism makes available, which then calls us to live within God’s household and as ambassadors of God’s reconciliation (2 Cor 5:20) in the world.

Activities:  

• Travel to Uganda and experience the rich natural, cultural, religious and social history of her people.
• Journey into the past of the country, a past marked by the pain of colonialism, dictatorship, war and civil unrest.
• Discover signs of hope through stories of Christian witness, martyrdom, grassroots and institutional initiatives as well as everyday activities.
• Engage the disciplines of looking, listening and learning – in community with other pilgrims as a way towards a deeper journey with God and others