Priest And Partisan: The South African Journey of Father Michael Lapsley

In April 1990, Father Michael Lapsley SSM was the target of a letter bomb from South Africa, losing both hands and an eye. Priest and Partisan, by Michael Worsnip, describes the experiences that led Father Lapsley, an Episcopalian priest, to join the ANC and how with humor and courage he fought his way back to life following his horrific injuries. Priest and Partisan tells how a deeply religious man grappled with his commitment to pacifism in the face of what he came to recognize as one of the greatest crimes against humanity – the apartheid system. However, his involvement in the ANC often brought him into conflict with the Church hierarchy.

Michael Lapsley’s case was heard by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in July 1996. He is now director of the Institute for Healing of Memories in Cape Town, South Africa.

Michael Lapsley’s life is part of the tapestry of the many long journeys and struggles of our people. NELSON MANDELA

I am no longer a victim, nor even simply a survivor. I am a victor over evil, hatred and death. The apartheid regime and all who supported it carry the responsibility for the loss of millions of lives throughout Southern Africa. MICHAEL LAPSLEY