English - Global Balance

A total of 25 participants dealt with the theme of reconciliation. Short presentations from NGO
representatives, who do reconciliation work in actual life, inspired us to think about how to
implement reconciliation in all facets of life (privately, politically, economically, ecologically...).
Romulo V. Tajon (S.E.R.).
In order to realize the human dream of a world community of unity, peace and order, the
way of reconciliation is the optimal ideal.
Father Alexander Jernej (Vincentian Community) spoke about Saint Vincent de Paul and
how he helped the people of France in the 17th Century with generosity and compassion by
setting up organizations for sick and poor people, which are still active today. Saint Vincent de
Paul was a creative reconciler. He recognized the problems of that time, searching for solutions
according to the possibilities and capabilities of the people.
In his little instruction book is written:
* reconciliation is a grace of God
* Instead of preaching reconciliation, take steps towards reconciliation
Dr. Christian Kuhn (ICCPPC) has been working for 30 years in the pastoral care of prisoners
and is also chairman of the International Commission of ICCPPC-Catholic Prison Pastoral Care.
In the pastoral care of prisoners, it is often asked to bring idealism and reality together. The point
is to be aware of the reality in the first place, to acknowledge what one has done and then to
reconcile with one’s own life. Reconciliation cannot be enforced, it requires a justice on an equal
footing. Spirituality in this context is a necessity and in poorer countries the pastors often also
help to alleviate the material needs of the prisoners. In order to recognize the reality there are
many theoretical models from science. The book, "I'm OK, You're OK" by Thomas A. Harris is
helpful.
The mutual esteem and respect create an atmosphere of reconciliation.
Ing Mag Roland Leithenmayr (Society for the Advancement of Global Understanding)
spoke about the social responsibility of individuals and reconciliation as conflict resolution. He
advises companies how profit, planet, people (triple Bottomline), therefore economic, social and
environmental aspects can be implemented. Previously it was business to business, and the
survival of the company was the most important factor. The economic social responsibility has
gradually developed as follows: in the beginning the companies made donations, then they
participated in the social value chain and now they take their role as a positive co-designer in
politics. According to Roland Leithenmayr’s judgement sustainability should be anchored in the
Constitution.
Christopher Maehl, (Chairman Foundation Council Foundation SER D)
spoke about the challenge of reconciliation at various levels.
Romulo V. Tajon (S.E.R.):
It would be desirable to organize Roundtables on the subject of reconciliation all over the
world in order to discuss these ideas in small groups, thus increasing the awareness for
reconciliation and enabling Reconciliation-Diplomacy to become a reality.
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