Campus exhibition to explore forgiveness

A photo exhibition exploring stories of forgiveness opens on campus next week (6-10 March).

The F Word, which takes place in the Library foyer all week, showcases the experiences of 26 people who each had deep reason to think about forgiveness.

Each story offers a unique perspective. Some of those featured speak about forgiveness being a way of being released from the past. Others separate forgiveness from forgetting. Many talk about starting with self-forgiveness and self-compassion. Some hold on to anger, channelling the hurt into activism. A few come to understand and even befriend the person who hurt them. And some never forgive.

Contributor Paul Kohler, a London academic who was viciously attacked, said: “Forgiving the perpetrator is a means of dealing with your internal issues and ensuring you’re not embittered by the experience. So forgiveness, paradoxically, is in some senses a selfish act, or at least a self-centred one, which helps you move on from the trauma.”

Gill Hicks, who was severely injured in the 2005 London terrorist bombings, said: “When I awoke I was euphoric to be alive and to have survived. I felt like a very blessed person – filled with emotions of love and compassion and joy.” She would later leave her former career and found a not-for-profit peace organisation.

Interview with the exhibit’s creator

Campus chaplain Mark Laynesmith will interview the exhibit’s creator, Marina Cantacuzino MBE, on Thursday 9 March at 19:00.

Joining the conversation are Riana Taylor, CEO of Circles UK, a charity that works towards the rehabilitation and reintegration of people convicted of sexual offences; and Dr Dan Jones, Lecturer in our School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences.

More details and the booking form are available on the University website.

For more information about the exhibition and project, visit www.theforgivenessproject.com.