A Journey from Woundedness to Healing

Letter From the Pastor

Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

A Journey from Woundedness to Healing

Summary: Father Michael Lapsley’s life and message remind us that even in the face of profound suffering, healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation are possible when we choose love over hatred and truth over silence.

This week, clergy from across the Diocese of Northern California gathered for our Annual Clergy Conference. We had the privilege of learning from Father Michael Lapsley, an Anglican priest, anti-apartheid activist, and internationally recognized healer of trauma.

Born in New Zealand and ordained in Australia, Fr. Lapsley moved to South Africa in 1973, where he became an outspoken critic of apartheid. His bold witness led to his expulsion from the country and years of service in exile as chaplain to the African National Congress. In 1990, after Nelson Mandela’s release, Fr. Lapsley opened a letter bomb that nearly killed him—he lost both hands, an eye, and suffered extensive injuries.

Instead of becoming hardened by hate, he chose the path of healing. He has since dedicated his life to helping others find peace through truth-telling, forgiveness, and spiritual restoration. In 1998, he founded the Institute for Healing of Memories, which now serves communities around the world affected by violence, trauma, and division.

Fr. Lapsley teaches that healing requires honest storytelling in compassionate spaces. Forgiveness is never forced, but grows when pain is truly acknowledged. He reminds us that while we may be wounded, we are never powerless. His work shows that personal healing can lead to communal reconciliation, and that all people—even those who have done harm—carry pain that needs healing.

His presence among us this week was a powerful reminder that the gospel calls us not only to justice but to restoration. In a world filled with wounds, Father Lapsley invites us to become healers—people of compassion, courage, and deep listening. May we answer that call.

Pastor Anny+

The Rev. Dr. Anny Genato+

Rector, St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church