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Forgiveness What a dilemma to confront The Reverend Julie Nicholson in her endeavour to reconcile the loss of her daughter in the 7th. July 2005 London terrorist bombing with her Christian belief in forgiveness. The integrity and courage she has displayed in withdrawing from her position as priest-in-charge of St. Aidan Church, Bristol because of the conflict between her human emotion and her spiritual belief cries out for our prayers and understanding. Should we condemn her for not finding it within herself to extend the hand of forgiveness? I think not, it has often crossed my mind how I would cope with a similar situation. It is so easy as an observer to take the moral high ground and to preach forgiveness but I have often thought that if I found myself in a similar, dreadful position, although knowing that I should be able to forgive, I doubt very much whether I could. This emotion will also have been apparent to C.S. Lewis when he observed, "Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea until he has something to forgive". We are all vulnerable to the frailties of being human but in the depths of our hearts we will each strive to follow the teachings and examples of Jesus in consideration, love and forgiveness for our fellow man. There will be times when the faith and ability to forgive of each one of us is severely tested and each one of us will hope that we are able to meet the challenge with compassion and understanding if the occasion arises. But, as C. S. Lewis observes, none of us can be sure of our reactions until we have been there and it is vital we do not presume to judge the likes of Julie Nicholson." Jeff Foxley
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