To err is human, to forgive, divine

Forgiveness can be almost impossible when the wound is deep, but a symposium will be held today and tomorrow to explore the way the three monotheistic world religions address forgiveness, and how it might be developed as a tool for peace in the Middle East.

Naim Ateek will speak tonight, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. in the atrium of the Samuel Bronfman Building, 1590 Docteur Penfield Ave.

Ateek is a Palestinian priest whose experience as a refugee during the 1948 war gave rise to his writing, pastoral ministry and advocacy. He is the president of Sabeel, an ecumential Christian centre for liberation theology.

His sponsor is Archbishop Desmond Tutu, chair of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, at which the testimony was often characterized by apology and forgiveness.

For Sabeel (www.sabeel.org), the liberation of Palestine from occupation is a goal that must be achieved through reconciliation with Israelis. The group works to promote the awareness of the Palestinian situation internationally, and helps Palestinian Christian youth build up their religious and cultural identity against a backdrop of diminishing opportunities.

Ateek’s talk on Oct. 21 is titled “Justice and Forgiveness: Two Christian Themes.”

Another speaker is Trudy Govier, a Canadian philosopher, author and teacher of peace studies. She is currently a visiting professor at Menno Simons College, at the University of Winnipeg. Govier will speak tomorrow afternoon at 3 p.m. in the DeSève Cinema, 1400 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W.

A panel discussion will be held Friday morning from 9 to noon in H-767 under moderator Salam Elmenyawi, the Muslim chaplain for Concordia.

Making up the panel will be Fred Bird (Concordia, Religion), Meir Amor (Concordia, Sociology), Yakov Rabkin (Université de Montréal), Salah Basalamah (Université de Montréal) and Naim Ateek.

The topic is “Is Forgiveness Realistic?” Is it, in fact, appropriate if it interferes with justice or inner peace? The panelists will reflect on the monotheistic religions’ capacity to promote peace through forgiveness.

Part of the ongoing Peace and Conflict Resolution series, the symposium was organized by Theological Studies professor Paul Allen.