Asking the former Archbishop of Canterbury if he forgives a serial abuser makes no sense whatsoever.
If he was a victim of the abuser, he could justifiably forgive any crimes perpetrated against him. That might be considered magnanimous and honourable.
But it is clearly not his place to forgive on behalf of other victims, especially if justice has not been served.
The Archbishop does not speak on behalf of God, so where did the journalist get that idea from, other than religious illiteracy?
God may forgive all sins, even if they are like mountains. But that requires sincere repentance and seeking to make amends.
When a person has wronged others, it’s rather more complicated. Perhaps all the sins of the victims will be heaped on the abuser as compensation for the wrongs done to them.
God is forgiving, yes, but also Most Just. Unlike mankind which is often neither.
Last modified: 3 April 2025
