How Do We Forgive?

How Do We Forgive?

“It seems there is no end to the creative ways we humans can find to hurt each other… There is also no end to the human capacity for healing.”

These words were written by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa. The commission served as a means for victims of apartheid to confront those who had committed acts of violence and injustice against them.

Tutu says that while many feared that the aftermath of freedom would result in further vengeful bloodshed, “Miraculously we chose another future. We chose forgiveness.”

In the years since the commission, Tutu has been asked over and over again in places throughout the world where there has been suffering and conflict to share his wisdom about the question, “How do we heal without further violence? How do we forgive?”

His most recent book, The Book of Forgiving: The Fourfold Path for Healing Ourselves and Our World, written with his daughter Mpho Tutu, an Episcopal priest, was written for those who are grappling with the issue of forgiveness and looking for a way to heal.

During the holy season of Lent (February 18-March 29) this year, I invite you to read the book (it’s on sale for $2.99 on Kindle right now!) and join a small discussion group for 5 weeks. It will be 5 weeks of study, conversation, and prayer about forgiveness. Friends, neighbors, and acquaintances are welcome!

Please indicate your interest at the link here:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/B2G2FCV  or complete a paper copy which will be in upcoming Sunday bulletins.   Respond by February 1 so that we can coordinate places and times.

“We invite you to take this journey with us not because it will be easy, but because, in the end, the path of forgiving is the only path worth taking.”

In Christ,

Pastor Jen