Truth Telling Will Lead To Healing, But Not Justice
By Saa M. McCarthy
The Perspective
Atlanta, Georgia
January 11, 2008
As our nation prepares for the revisiting of heinous crimes against innocent civilians at the hands of misguided, ruthless, and arguably demon possessed rebel fighters, it is becoming clearer after two days of victims’ testimonies before the TRC that we cannot simply listen to these horrifying stories and do nothing. Someone has to be held accountable, if not the perpetrators themselves, then the architects of the civil war and the commanders of the forces.
I recently discuss my point of view with a friend who is very passionate on the subject of Truth and Reconciliation in Liberia. His view, as is mine, is on the basis of the Bible. However, my friend was convinced that we must forgive those who committed these atrocities since, as he puts it, “that’s what Jesus would do.” He quoted a very familiar scripture to me where Jesus spoke of love and forgiveness, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:43-44). This is unquestionably true in my mind as a believer. The apostle Paul also deals with this issue in more detail when he states, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:17-21). I totally agreed with my friend, but reminded him that Jesus, who is also God Most High manifested, also wants justice for the poor and the weak.
There are a few scriptures that remind us that the same God, who wants us to forgive, calls us to stand for righteousness and truth, and to defend the poor and care for the fatherless and the widows. "The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern." Proverbs 29:7. "Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31:9. "Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow." Isaiah 1:17. I believe somewhere in this debate of the adequacy or sufficiency of the TRC in an effort to bring about healing and forge ahead as a nation, there is confusion about whether forgiveness and justice are synonymous. Well, in my humble opinion, it is a matter of perspective.
I believe for there to be true forgiveness, there must be a showing of contrition on the part of the perpetrator(s) in our civil war. So far, no specific individuals, especially the masterminds and military leaders of the civil war, have stepped up to take personal (not collective) responsibility for their role in the war. The closest yet to such apology came from the President, Madame Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, but even so it was unspecific and collective. At the start of public hearings of the TRC, the president apologized for the role “her government and previous governments” played during the civil war. This is a commendable first step, but hardly specific and far from taking personal responsibility.
In order for the victims to forgive, there must be persons to forgive. But if the perpetrators are unwilling to step forward and confess their crimes, it begs the question, “who are we forgiving”? So you see, my fellow Liberians, the issue is not whether or not we should forgive, as I believe that the average Liberian will be willing to forgive. The real issue is this: are the perpetrators of the war, their financiers and rebel commanders or those who gave orders (directly or indirectly) for the commission of these crimes, asking for forgiveness or showing any sign of contrition? If not, then I am afraid that the current model of the Truth and Reconciliation would have failed. I submit that if the TRC is only taking testimonies of victims with no one stepping up to take responsibilities, the TRC would be reduced to a forum where we would have unfortunately put the victims through their memories of pain and loss all over again, thereby reopening old wounds. It is only day two of the TRC, and the testimonies thus far can barely be stomached by any civilized and moral human being. If this goes on unabated, we would have only tears and anger, and no forgiveness.
The second perspective on the issue of forgiveness and justice speaks to the nature of the crimes in question. The crimes were not just against us as a people, but against the state and laws of our land—the constitution. Am I willing to forgive those who were responsible for the death of my grandmother? Yes, as a Christian, I have forgiven them in my heart because I am commended to forgive by my faith in Jesus Christ. I have given that to God. But Jesus reminds us to render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and unto God what is God’s. The point He makes is that being a Christian does not exempt you from yielding to government authority, which is based on laws. These laws range from paying taxes to consequences of committing crimes. Hence, if a Christian sins by committing murder and confess his/her sins, God is faithful and just to forgive such a person from that sin and clean them from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). However, the laws of the land have been broken and the law is blind to ones religious affiliation—i.e. stating that you are a Christian and don’t deserve to go to court or prison for murder is not a legal defense. The laws will hold you accountable.
It is my hope that, as we progress in this valuable and historical exercise of truth telling by the victims, the perpetrators will willingly emerge, take responsibility and show contrition for their crimes against our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, and children. And when personal responsibility and contrition is assumed, it is also my hope that we will be willing to forgive. This combination will bring about healing. Afterwards, justice must step in with her strong right arms and set precedence of law and order, so that we teach our children and posterity that there are consequences to the decisions we make in life. This will lay the foundation for us to put the past behind us and successfully move this nation forward. Anything short of this, in my opinion, will simply be unjust!
About the Author: Mr. Saa M. McCarthy is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), a Certified Financial Manager (CFM), and a Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) residing in Texas. He is married, and a father of four children. Prior to coming to the United States, Mr. McCarthy lived as a refugee in several refugee camps in the republic of Sierra Leone from 1989 to 1992 as a result of the Liberian civil war. He currently serves as Chairman of the Finance and Recruiting Committees of the Liberian Contemp-UPS. He may be reached at saa_mccarthy@msn.com
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