Gov. Brownback declares a ‘Week of Reconciliation’ for Thanksgiving

Gov. Sam Brownback has declared the week of Thanksgiving a “Week of Reconciliation,” urging all Kansas to “seek and give forgiveness.”

“The holiday season is a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to come together, reconcile their differences and celebrate timeless traditions together,” Brownback said Tuesday in a statement released by his office. “It may be difficult to forgive those we believe have hurt us, but I encourage all Kansans to use this week of Thanksgiving to build a bridge of reconciliation.”

Some social media users did not take too kindly to Brownback’s reconciliation proclamation, bringing up the governor’s conflicts with public school teachers and moderates in his own party.

Chris Huff, an Overland Park resident who describes himself as a “Kansas liberal,” tweeted: “sorry Brownback, unfortunately you gave away the funds for that bridge project,” referring to the governor’s call for reconciliation.

The governor’s office said Brownback has been making similar proclamations around Thanksgiving since first taking office in 2011.

The statement from the governor’s office called “reconciliation in times of discord” the foundation of American history.

“I hope we take to heart the words of Bishop Desmond Tutu, who reminds us that ‘forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new beginning,’ ” Brownback said.

This story was originally published November 25, 2014 at 4:07 PM with the headline "Gov. Brownback declares a ‘Week of Reconciliation’ for Thanksgiving."