South Africa 2006
Pilgrimage of Pain & Hope
Journey with Duke Divinity School to South Africa
Pilgrims visited important historical, political and ecclesial sites in Cape Town, Robben Island, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Soweto. They heard the story of the church’s valiant struggle in South Africa against apartheid, as well as today’s challenge to witness to Christ’s peace and justice in the ‘new’ South Africa. Pilgrims also met people who are living parables of the Gospel who, amid enormous poverty and pain, have found deep joy as agents of transformation.
Because this is much more than a sightseeing tour, participants were invited to enter a "Pilgrimage Covenant," committing themselves to an inward journey of personal reflection, shared worship, Bible study, discussion and true engagement with the people of South Africa. We sought that attitude of regard and attention to one another and those we met expressed by the Zulu greeting: “Sawubona!”…”I see you!”—and the reply: “Sikhona!”…”I am here.”