Deepening Discipleship: The Enigma of Forgiveness

‘Forgiveness’ is one of the most central words in Christianity, and many Christians automatically feel that it is always good to forgive. However, quite what forgiveness is, and whether or not it is always good, or even possible, are important and fascinating questions. ‘Exploring the Enigma of Forgiveness’ is an opportunity to reflect on different aspects of forgiveness, and to develop a deeper understanding of when forgiveness is appropriate. This is a day for those who, for whatever reason, have come to feel forgiveness isn’t the black and white matter that it is sometimes presented as, but is worthy of deeper attention and more thought and discussion. Participants will also come away with a clearer sense of both the positive and the more risky sides of encouraging and practising forgiveness.

Stephen Cherry is an Anglican priest and has been Dean of Chapel and Fellow of King’s College Cambridge since 2014. Before that his ministry was in parish, diocesan and cathedral posts including a time in Leicester diocese as Rector of All Saints, Loughborough. Stephen has written a number of books including ‘Healing Agony: Reimagining Forgiveness’ (Bloomsbury Continuum, 2012).