Called to Forgive

While the murder of his wife devastated Anthony Thompson, he and three other relatives of victims chose to privately and publicly forgive the shooter. Years later, the church and community still struggle to understand the family members' deliberate choice to forgive the racist murderer. But as Charlestonians have witnessed these incredible acts of forgiveness, something significant has happened to the community--black and white leaders and residents have united, coming together peaceably and even showing acts of selfless love.

This book is the account of Anthony's wife's murder, the grief he experienced, and how and why he made the radical choice to forgive the killer. But beyond that, Anthony goes on to teach what forgiveness can and should look like in each of our lives--both personally, in our communities, and even in our nation. After much pain, reflection, and study, Thompson shares how true biblical love and mercy differ from the way these ideas are reflected in our culture.

Be inspired by this remarkable story and discover how the difficult decision to forgive can become the key to radical change.

Anthony B. Thompson is the pastor of Holy Trinity Reformed Episcopal Church of Charleston. He is a member of the community advisory board of Mother Emanuel AME Church Empowerment Center, as well as the National Board of Foreign Missions of the Reformed Episcopal Church. The Reverend Thompson was married to the late Myra Thompson of Charleston, South Carolina. They have three children and six grandchildren.

Denise George is the author/coauthor of thirty-one books. George has served as founding director of LifeWay's Women's Ministry program and adjunct instructor at Beeson Divinity School. She is married to Dr. Timothy George, founding dean of Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama.