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South Africa Traveling Seminar:
National Reconciliation, Faith, and Action

October 30- November 14, 2007

South Africa’s ongoing transition from apartheid to reconciliation created a model that has inspired the world.  However this is not the end of the story.  South Africa continues to be a nation in transition, a nation whose leaders now struggle to respond justly to ongoing challenges such as continuing poverty, HIV/AIDS, and the legacy of racism.  These challenges are not unique: white privilege, health care delivery, the poor, and economic development are issues that face our nation, our relationships, and our lives as people of faith. 

Learn from South Africa’s example through meetings with leaders such as Desmond Tutu, leaders whose deep faith commitments empowered them to take stands for justice within a society desperate for reconciliation.  Engage in dialogue with Parliamentarians, University Presidents, non profit leaders, and members of the Constitutional Court as they seek to respond to ongoing questions of systemic poverty, environmental degradation, and the legacy of apartheid.  Be transformed.

This is not your average tourist trip!  Rather it is an opportunity to meet with and be challenged by influential South African leaders with whom Plowshares Institute has partnered for over 20 years through programs that promote justice (work for which Plowshares was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize).  Through a series of encounters in Johannesburg and Cape Town; exposure to South Africa’s rich cultural life; and periods of reflection and dialogue with one another  you will be challenged and equipped to become a globally-minded agent of change and reconciliation in your own community. 

Goals of the Seminar

1.  Exposure to a variety of viewpoints in a society in transition with a particular focus on meeting with leaders who have commitments to move toward a more just, democratic, non-racial, and non-sexist  South Africa. 

2.  Examination of the critical role that the church and other religious leaders are playing as reconciling and transforming agents in the transition to a new society, particularly as they address issues of reconciliation and more equal access to land, education, housing, and health. 

3.  Assessment of the effect of North American and international government, business, religious, and academic policies on the new South Africa. 

Covenants of Participation

In keeping with the Plowshares philosophy, participants must agree to three covenants of participation:

1. Covenant of Preparation - To do preparatory study for the seminar including readings in the areas of African history, culture, economics, politics, and religion, with special attention to relationships between South Africa and the United States and the international community.  The seminar staff will provide a list of resources and a packet of selected readings.

2. Covenant of Lifestyle - To live "simply but safely" as close to the style of our hosts as possible, eating local food, using local transportation, making short home visits, and staying in university or church guesthouses.  This approach to travel allows us to experience the richness and diversity of the culture as "visitors" and not "tourists."

3. Covenant of Application - To share one's learnings with colleagues upon return to one’s home in whatever events and situations are appropriate.  Participants in previous Plowshares seminars have fulfilled this covenant through speaking engagements, conference presentations, and articles written for newsletters and other publications.

Arrangements for the Seminar

The seminar will be led by The Rev. Dr. Robert A. Evans, Alice Frazer Evans, Directors of Plowshares Institute, Former Senior Fellows at the Centre for Conflict Resolution in Cape Town, and adjunct faculty of Hartford Seminary and Elizabeth Vélez, Plowshares Coordinator for Programs and Training.   Admission to the seminar is by application and personal or phone interview.  The group is limited to twenty-five participants selected on the basis of commitment to the three covenants and the ability to contribute to a group seeking balanced ecumenical and multi-cultural representation.  The total seminar cost for each participant, including travel from New York, housing, and all meals, is $3800, subject to change due to possible airfare increases.  All costs, except for passports and personal expenses, are included.  Applications and a deposit of $500 should be submitted to Plowshares by August 1, 2007.

For more information or to register: Contact Plowshares; Seminar Application  

  Reports from Plowshares Traveling Seminar:
  South Africa  October 30- November 14, 2007

 Report by seminar participants... read report >