Uniting Under the Unity Quilt

When we join together daily for morning prayer and devotions, the Amani family gathers in our peaceful chapel to praise together. Hanging at the forefront of the chapel is our unity quilt, a beautifully crafted work of art that holds meaning for every woman here, regardless of their background. The unity quilt was made by African women from various tribes and nationalities in Africa. Each panel the unity quilt illustrates how reconciliation is celebrated traditionally by their people.

Kenya | Kamba –– Described by Magdalene Ndanu Muny’woki

When a rift occurs between two families and they are unable to resolve it themselves, the elders are called to act as mediators. The one who is found to be in the wrong is required to give out a young goat and a rooster to be slaughtered. The elders collect special leaves which are dipped in water. The elders sprinkle each family member with this water to cleanse and purify them. The chicken is shared between the two families and then a large meal is prepared for the families and community.

Sudan | Madi –– Described by Veronica Godtaya

After is has been decided that a dispute between two families needs to be settled, the families sit together with the elders and talk about the problem. After the problem has been sorted out, each member of all those involved spit into a pot, beginning from the youngest to the oldest. To spit into the same pot is a sign that there is nothing between them. Some of this spit is poured on the doors of both houses. The remaining spit is thrown in the direction of the sun as it is setting. This represents that the problem is now disappearing and is behind them now.

Burundi | Hutu  –– Described by Jeanne Rose Nitanga

The elders are called to talk with those who are having a dispute. When it is decided who is at fault, the offender pays something to make amends. The one who has offended is first encouraged to say he is sorry for his wrong doing and then the one who has taken offense is encouraged to forgive him. The two who were in discord, as a sign of forgiveness, drink banana juice from one pot which has two straws. The two hug afterwards. 

Liberia | Bassa –– Described by Mana Nyahn

The chief and elders meet with the two families in conflict in the center of the village. After listening to both sides, the chief suggest resolution. After the two sides agree, a sheep is cooked and everyone in the community then celebrated by eating from the same bowl in the center of the village. This sharing of the meal means that everything is over. 

Democratic Republic of Congo | Luba –– Described by Josephine Munyerekana

After everything is resolved between the two families a hole is dug, a chicken is slaughtered and the blood of the chicken is put in the hole. The knife that was used to slaughter the chicken is also put in the hole. After that, the hands are washed with water over the hole, then it is covered. This symbolized the two families no longer remembering the problem. The chicken is then cooked and eaten by both families and their neighbors. 

Somali/Kenya | Dagodia –– Described by Maimuna Abukar

The elders solve the problem by discussing it with representatives from each family. After they promise to no longer create a problem, reconciliation between the two families is celebrated by eating pasta together while sitting on a mat. Camel meat is also eaten. Everyone agrees to live in peace by shaking hands and kissing each other on the cheek. 

Rwanda | Tutsi/Hutu –– Described by Mathilda Nyiragukura

When there is a dispute, the elders first talk with representatives from each group. Here, the problem is exposed. When the dispute is settled, everyone drinks banana juice or sorghum from one pot on the ground which has many straws in it. The drink is provided by the one who is found guilty. Everyone drinks at the same time from the long reeds in the pot. Afterwards, everyone hugs each other to show that the problem is finished.

Uganda | Bagisu –– Described by Sarad Nabwire

The elders first discuss the problem with the two disputing families and come to one agreement. Then, on behalf of the two reconciling families, the elders peel a banana, break it in two pieces and each representative of the two families is given half to eat. A goat is killed and cooked, and the families eat it together. Because of the love they now have for each other, no other problems can divide them.

Ethiopia | Tigre –– Described by Kelemework H/Michael

The elders meditate for the families in dispute. When peace is made, the two families drink water or milk from one cup. After this they are like brothers and sisters. The elders warn those who were involved in the dispute not to quarrel again and then pray for them. A sheep is slaughtered and a meal is shared together, followed by a coffee ceremony. While is coffee ceremony is conducted, olive leaves burn on the fire sending up an aroma of peace. There is singing and dancing together by the two families as they celebrate the peace they now enjoy. 

Mozambique | Ndau –– Described by Magdaline Jivangire

The elders, with the two families, sit down together and discuss the problem. Once a resolution is achieved, coconut juice is had by the older people in the families from one cup with one long straw made from a reed. All those involved lay their hands on top of each other, illustrating their oneness in agreement. To celebrate, a meal is shared. 

Broken Africa

Though these traditional customs have been practiced for as long as anyone remembers, Africa is still a broken continent of wars and tribal clashes. Is there a longer-lasting solution to these problems?

Dancing African Women

The dancing woman who is pointing to the cross is celebrating the work of Christ on the cross which has reconciled us to God and given us a higher, more lasting peace (Amani ya Juu) that transcends all tribal and cultural differences. Once we are reconciled to God, each of us are able to experience genuine forgiveness and reconciliation with one another. The love of Christ, as displayed through His sacrifice on the cross and experienced in our hearts, is able to bring permanent hope and peace