Speaking to Reconciliation

John B. Hatch (Ph.D., Regent University) is Professor of Communication Studies at Eastern University. His book Race and Reconciliation won the 2009 Top Book Award from the NCA Communication Ethics division. He has published numerous articles on racial reconciliation, dialogic rhetoric, religion, and culture.

List of Figures – Foreword – Acknowledgments – Introduction – Introduction to Part I – Reconciling a Divided Nation: Abraham Lincoln – Redressing a Grave Injustice: U.S. Rep. Thaddeus Stevens – Clearing the Way of Peace on Earth: Martin Luther King Jr. – Exposing Injustice against a Horizon of Reconciliation: Desmond Tutu – Framing South African Reconciliation: Desmond Tutu – Religious Resources for Reconciliation in a Divided World: Miroslav Volf – Mindfulness as a Key to Reconciliation: Thich Nhat Hanh – Rooting Reconciliation in a Shared Past: President Mary McAleese of Ireland – Bridging America’s Racial Divide: Barack Obama – Bridging a Divide between Civilizations: Barack Obama – Bridging Religious Divides: King Abdullah II of Jordan – Introduction to Part II – Remembering and Redressing Incomprehensible Evil: Elie Wiesel – Acknowledging a Heinous Historical Crime: George W. Bush – Explaining and Offering a Historical Apology: U.S. Rep. Tony Hall – Commending the Grace of Forgiveness and Repentance: Barack Obama – Reconciliation Unfolding: United Church of Canada – Conclusion: The Ongoing Work of Reconciliation.

“Hatch’s book elucidates reconciliation as a process that exceeds the bounds of any single speech. This is especially evident in the book’s final case: reconciliation between the United Church of Canada and First Nations people. By retracing speech-acts that occurred between the oppressed and a former oppressor over the course of a dozen years and beyond, Hatch shows us that reconciliation is not a destination, but a dialogic, embodied reality—a way of life.”
—Naaman K. Wood, Assistant Assistant Professor of Media and Communication Studies, Redeemer University, Ontario

“… a significant contribution to the study and practice of reconciliation that should be read by all students and scholars within and beyond the discipline of communication who hope to create a just and equitable world.”
—Mark L. McPhail, Senior Research Fellow, Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs, Indiana University

“… an elegant and accessible overview of strikingly courageous speeches that have drawn from the wellsprings of religious faith to promote reconciliation … an ideal selection for students and scholars seeking explanatory introductions, historical contextualizations, and analytic insights on reconciliation …”
—David A. Frank, Professor of Rhetoric, University of Oregon

“Hatch's heartfelt commitment to and insight on reconciliation shapes this collection of historical and contemporary public address into a tool for truth and justice … Feast on this book for true soul food and strength for the work of battling injustice.”
—Annalee Ward, Director, Wendt Character Initiative, University of Dubuque