Forgiveness and Reconciliation in the Church and in the World

Forgiveness and reconciliation are central to the gospel message, and virtues that mark Christian maturity. Recognizing them as virtues does not automatically translate into an ability to embody them ourselves, nor does it enable us to help others in their efforts to do so. Beyond that, there are additional layers of complexity when it comes to understanding what it means to forgive in the wake of a random act of violence, and what it means to seek and offer forgiveness or engage in reconciliation efforts after systemic oppression or persecution. We will look at this through the specific lens of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.