Letter bomb survivor to speak at Durham Cathedral

Fr Michael Lapsley

A priest and anti-apartheid activist who survived a letter bomb attack will be at Durham Cathedral on 7 July.

Fr Michael Lapsley, from South Africa, lost both hands and an eye in the attack in 1990, but his terrible injuries only inspired him to work for healing and reconciliation.

He developed the Healing of Memories project to help victims of apartheid recover from their painful experiences.

He wrote about his work in Redeeming the Past: My Journey from Freedom Fighter to Healer.

Fr Lapsley will be preaching in Durham Cathedral at 11:15am and speaking at a lunchtime event in the cathedral's Prior's Hall at 1:15pm. Copies of his book will be on sale at the free events.

Canon Stephen Cherry, organiser and host of the event, said: "I have met Fr Michael a few times now and am always inspired not only by his story but also by his passion and his actual presence.

"He lives with the wounds of violence and hatred every minute of every day and yet gives tirelessly of himself for the healing of others and for the good of all. This is a great opportunity to meet a person of real courage, vision and hope."