I support public forgiveness in order to stop future acts of violence, such as in the Charleston killings. I am grateful for people who make this choice!
I also honor that abuse victims should not be shamed into forgiving people who have it in for them.
That being said, I believe it’s good to have the intent to forgive. However, forgiveness takes a long time and should be authentic.
I provide on this page various resources I have found of help regarding not forcing forgiveness.
Rabbi Angela Buchdal of Central Synagogue’s Yom Kippur sermon, 2016.
The works of the late Lewis Smedes, a Fullerton Seminary professor
Reconciliation poetry 