In the mid 1990's Christians came together to retrace the 2,000-mile route that Christian Crusaders had traveled during the Middle Ages to fight in the Crusades. This became known as the "Reconciliation Walk." The purpose of that walk was to build bridges of understanding and "reverse a legacy of animosity among three of the world's most prominent religions."

From a Cathedral in Cologne, Germany, in 1096, the first Christian crusaders set off for Jerusalem. Nine hundred years later, approximately 150 walkers left from the same cathedral. It was Easter Sunday. The walk took three years to travel across Europe, through the Balkans and Turkey, then south to Jerusalem. As the walkers traveled to the different cities, they prayed and distributed the message of reconciliation.

Their first stop was a Turkish Mosque and teaching center. Their leader explained that the walkers had come to apologize for the atrocities committed in the name of Christ during the Crusades. The apology was read in German, Turkish and English.

They were "greeted with loud, sustained applause." The Imam responded: "When I heard the nature of your message, I was astonished and filled with hope. I thought to myself, 'whoever had this idea must have had an epiphany, a visit from God himself.' It is my wish that this project should become a very great success."

This was The Reconciliation Walk statement of apology that was read:

"Nine hundred years ago, our forefathers carried the name of Jesus Christ in battle across the Middle East. Fueled by fear, greed and hatred, they betrayed the name of Christ by conducting themselves in a manner contrary to His wishes and character. The Crusaders lifted the banner of the Cross above your people. By this act they corrupted its true meaning of reconciliation, forgiveness and selfless love.

"On the anniversary of the First Crusade we also carry the name of Christ. We wish to retrace the footsteps of the Crusaders in apology for their deeds and in demonstration of the true meaning of the Cross. We deeply regret the atrocities committed in the name of Christ by our predecessors. We renounce greed, hatred and fear, and condemn all violence done in the name of Jesus Christ.

"Where they were motivated by hatred and prejudice, we offer love and brotherhood. Jesus the Messiah came to give life. Forgive us for allowing His name to be associated with death. Please accept again the true meaning of the Messiah's words:

"'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.' "

One participant of the walk wrote, "The gospel is not about winning an argument, it's about reconciliation. Essentially, Jesus came to take blame for something he did not do in hopes of healing our bitterness and alienation. That's just what we are doing by willingly going to the Middle East and saying we are to blame for these centuries of fear, misunderstanding and violence."

© TheosEra.com Spiritual Community 2008