Networking and preview of the exhibition

The second Annual Peace Forum on Forgiveness and Reconciliation, convened by the Charter for Forgiveness and Reconciliation and hosted at the Nishkam Centre, took place on Sunday 4th February 2018. It began with the viewing of the ‘Journey of Forgiveness & Reconciliation’ Exhibition over lunch within the Nishkam Heritage Centre. The exhibition, lovingly developed by young volunteers, innovatively and graphically depicted the various stages of forgiveness. The thought provoking exhibition offered space for reflection and an opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones over lunch.

The main event, held within the Conference Hall, commenced with a powerful prayer to Almighty God, sung by the students of Nishkam Primary School, accompanied by musicians playing

Nishkam Primary School children reciting Kirtan

ancient Indian stringed instruments. The prayer, written by Guru Arjan Dev Ji – the fifth Guru of the Sikhs- described feelings of wonder, contentment and acceptance once in the company of enlightened teachers and disciples.

It was a reflective and poignant beginning to a day which was filled with lively and emotive discussions on the nature of forgiveness. Amrick Singh Ubhi, Director of the Nishkam Centre, opened the forum by reminding participants that the forum was taking place not only during World Interfaith Harmony Week, but also Holocaust Memorial Week, further emphasising the huge significance and urgency of understanding and practicing forgiveness and reconciliation.

A video titled ‘Assisi, City of Forgiveness’ was shown to the audience, featuring a speech given by Pope Francis as part of the 800^th anniversary of the Pardon of Assisi.

‘How much does it cost us to forgive others?’ the Pope questioned the audience: ‘Have you all thought at times of God’s patience? God never tires of offering us his pardon each time we ask for it.’

Dr Josef Boehle talks about the Charter

Dr Josef Boehle, Director of the Charter for Forgiveness and Reconciliation, spoke about the Charter itself, which will be formally launched towards the end of the year, and talked about how they have thought deeply about bringing the Charter ‘to life’ and into practice.

Rabbi Dr David Rosen read a letter from William F Vendley, Co-convenor and Co-chair of the Charter for Forgiveness and Reconciliation, and the Secretary General of Religions for Peace International, affirming his commitment to advancing the Charter.

The Peace Forum moved on to the first panel discussion, titled Perspectives on Forgiveness, Reconciliation, Justice and Sustainable Peace, with Rabbi Dr David Rosen speaking about trauma and wounds. .

He spoke of being touched when Pope John Paul II publicly asked for forgiveness for sins committed against the Jewish

Rabbi Dr David Rosen reads letter of support from William F Vendley

community. He described how this gesture ‘opened minds and changed realities for so many people. It created a lot of peace and opened up possibilities of new relations.’ Bharti Tailor, Vice-President and Trustee of Religions for Peace UK and panel member, noted that without empathy and true willingness, forgiveness cannot be given. She likened this to ‘blowing on a tsunami coming towards you.’

The Bishop of Coventry, Dr Christopher Cocksworth told the audience of his feelings when first encountering forgiveness: ‘As a human I felt like a failed being. But when I felt forgiven, I stood taller, because I felt free.’

He also spoke of a poignant moment in Coventry during the Second World War, when the Provost of the Cathedral, shortly after the bombings, wrote a message in the still warm ash: ‘Father, forgive.’ The Bishop reminded the audience that these are precious words in the Christian faith.

Panel 1 – Rabbi Dr David Rosen, Bharti Tailor, Bishop of Coventry, Christopher Cocksworth

The second panel was delighted to hear from Elsa Vogel, born in France, and at the age of 14 years witnessed the dawn of the Second World War. She stayed in Paris during Nazi occupation and when she was 18, survived being machine-gunned by the Germans. She spoke about her discovery of an ‘inner voice in her heart urging me to forgive.’ She then decided, through taking time in silence, to ‘let go of the hatred and choose reconciliation.’

Bhai Sahib, Bhai Mohinder Singh spoke personally about the nature of forgiveness and how this can make you ‘a prisoner’.  He noted the importance of realising there is ‘innocence in ignorance’ so we cannot blame people for the things they may now know. He also spoke of God’s unconditional love for us, and how this should mirror the love we have for each other: ‘love should not have any conditions.’

The Panel discussions were followed by breakout sessions designed around two thematic themes: 1.Network/movement

Panel 2- Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra, Elsa Vogel, Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh

for forgiveness & reconciliation; 2. Charter development and charter launch.

All guests participated in the facilitated conversations and had an opportunity to share their thoughts and contribute to the future of the Charter. Closing the conference, Bhai Sahib, Bhai Mohinder Singh said he felt ‘humbled, inspired and motivated’, and stressed on the gratitude he felt that people were able to come together to discuss how forgiveness may bring peace on an individual and worldly level, during a time of ‘severe violence, extremism, pain and suffering.’

‘We have a great responsibility, God resides within us, and so the capacity to forgive is within us all’, he said, ending the conference.

All guests were invited to partake in Langar – a core practice for Sikhs, where blessed vegetarian food is served to all, irrespective of religion, caste or creed.

Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh Sharing final reflections

Notes to Editors:

For more information:

• Nishkam Media Centre – nishkammediacentre.com
  • Event Photos – https://www.flickr.com/gp/121938483@N04/Gi05AD
  • Charter Website: http://www.charterforforgiveness.org/
  • Contact: office@charterforforgiveness.org