Presented by: Sedona International City of Peace
Sedona AZ (May 8, 2014) – As part of an ongoing effort to foster a culture of peace in Sedona, the Sedona International City of Peace is pleased to present and evening with South African anti-apartheid and peace activist Father Michael Lapsley. The event will take place on May 21, 2014 at Unity of Sedona, 65 Deer Trail in West Sedona, from 5:00 to 6:30 pm and again at 7:00 to 8:30 pm. The public is warmly invited to Being a Bridge: Healing Our Cultural Wounds. Donations are lovingly accepted.
A prominent activist in the fight to overturn apartheid, Father Michael suffered the loss of both hands and the eyesight in one eye in 1990 after receiving a letter bomb by those who resented his activism. This terrible event continues to shape and empower his life. Father Michael’s life mission is dedicated to helping heal emotional, psychological and spiritual wounds inflicted by war, human rights abuses and other traumatic circumstances. He initially undertook this vitally important work as part of the South African Commission for Truth and Reconciliation headed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and has continued this journey as the founder and director of the Institute for Healing of Memories, based in Cape Town, South Africa.
Describing Father Michael, Nelson Mandela said , “Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies…Michael’s journey from freedom fighter to healer is a compelling metaphor for all of us.”
There will be two opportunities to hear and connect with Father Lapsley on Wednesday, May 21, 2014. From 5:00 to 6:30 pm Father Michael will discuss his personal journey from freedom fighter to wounded healer and the insights and lessons that have emerged, leaving time for a short Q & A and book signing.
Then from 7:00 to 8:30 pm Father Michael will speak to peacemakers, healers, leaders and anyone who wishes to hear him speak about peacemaking and bridge building within the greater community. Father Michael will share the tools and practices he uses to support communities in understanding how our past differences impacts us today, and creating a safe and supportive space for confronting sources of alienation, misunderstanding, and suffering.
As director of the Institute for Healing of Memories based in Cape Town, South Africa, the Institute “seeks to contribute to the healing journey of individuals, communities and nations. Our work is grounded in the belief that we are all in need of healing because of what we have done, what we have failed to do, and what has been done to us.” This is accomplished in workshops where personal stories are heard through deep listening. Once heard and acknowledged the healing process can begin, resulting in personal empowerment, transformation and emotional restoration.
“Over the years the Institute for Healing of Memories has worked with refugees, offenders, HIV/ AIDS sufferers, and victims of domestic violence through the Healing Memories workshops. This successful model of healing has been widely documented and the methodology has been used in countries as far afield as the USA, East Timor, Rwanda and Northern Ireland,” according to the Institute’s website information (http://www.healing-memories.org)
“We were so fortunate to be able to bring Father Michael to Sedona at this time. He has a very busy International schedule and was thrilled to come spend time here. This evening will be powerful, moving and hopeful with new life tools for personal and community healing,” said event organizer, Sedona City of Peace co-founder, forgiveness coach and friend of Father Lapsley, Lori Rubenstein.
The Sedona International City of Peace would like to acknowledge and thank the following event sponsors for Father Michael: Unity of Sedona, Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley, McLean Meditation Institute, Sterling Financial Services, Karen’s Gluten-Free Living, Century 21, Andrea Smith Galleries, Lori S. Rubenstein, and Mary Cravets Business Coaching, LLC.
The Sedona International City of Peace is a member of the international Cities of Peace made up of community residents who have committed themselves to joining together to catalyze conversation and inspire action in pursuit of peace through art, film, civil dialogue, education and more. Sedona is proud to stand with more than 75 cities of peace on 5 continents dedicated to this purpose. For more information, go to: www.internationalcitiesofpeace.org/cities/sedona/sedona.html.
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