The question of forgiveness is being raised ever more frequently in the aftermath of unjust suffering and violently inflicted loss. But what can the ‘F-word’ mean?  Three writers explore the use and meaning of this word, often ‘barnacled by aeons of piety’ (as one of them has written). 

Marian Partington brings a careful attention to poetry and narrative to bear upon the wrenching reality of her sister Lucy’s murder. In her writing, she seeks to reclaim her sister from the labels of ‘missing person’ or ‘Fred West victim’. The Reverend Canon Dr Stephen Cherry, best-selling author of Barefoot Disciple  and an experienced parish priest and adult educator, seeks to re-imagine forgiveness between people as a ‘healing agony’.

The discussion is chaired by Marina Cantacuzino, an award-winning journalist and founder of The Forgiveness Project charity, who describes how forgiveness processes can emerge when convicted prisoners encounter the human cost of their actions.