‘In Touch’ is the regular column by General Presbyter William F. Galbraith published in ‘The Banner’ by the Presbytery of Arkansas.

Invictus, the recently released movie starring Morgan Freeman, depicts Nelson Mandela's governing of post-apartheid South Africa in the early 1990s. A particular focus is Mandela's wisdom in bringing unity to a country long-divided over race, economics and power. The film invites us to consider Mandela's approach in dealing with adversaries through the lens of the South African national rugby team, the Springboks.

To many of Mandela's supporters, the Springboks and their green and gold uniforms represent the old South Africa and its unjust practices. They argue that a new day calls for change, particularly with the Springboks, who have an undistinguished record in international competition. The effort to change this national athletic symbol gains traction, but Mandela is convinced that the change will do more harm than good.

He expends considerable political capital in opposing the change of the Springbok colors. His closest aide thinks it an unwise political move to invest so much in what she believes could be political suicide. Other, more pressing issues need Mandela's attention: the infrastructure, the economy, etc.

Mandela, however, realizes the symbolic power of the green and gold for opponents with whom he must now work in the new government. If they are not included, he reasons, the effort to create a new and more open South Africa will not succeed. He argues, "Without them, we fail." Mandela carries the day and the Springboks, clad in their traditional colors, go on to win the World Cup of Rugby, bringing acclaim to all of South Africa.

He succeeds in getting the Springboks to be better than they think they can be. In so doing, he helps South Africa become a nation in which "all exceed our own expectations."

Dealing with opposition and long-standing tradition is a challenge to any leader. Certainly it has implications for church leaders. How shall we deal with those who oppose new approaches to mission and ministry? How is change best instituted? Which traditions need to be honored and which need to be altered or expanded? How can we work together with those with whom we disagree? How can we, too, exceed our own expectations?

Seeing the big picture is critical. Mandela's vision was bigger than throwing out the old to get on with the new. It was to create something new in which everyone had a place, everyone mattered. His was an audacious conviction that enemies could become friends, that truth can lead to freedom.

"Reconciliation starts here. Forgiveness starts here. It liberates the soul," Mandela said.

Jesus seemed to see things similarly.

In faith,

Bill

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