153: Is Forgiveness Possible After Evil? How a Victim of the 2015 Charleston Mass Murder Forgave Dylann Roof (feat. Anthony Thompson)

We’ve all been wronged. We’ve all be hurt badly by the actions of another person. And while I believe most of us know the principle of forgiveness, I don’t believe as many of us understand the vital place forgiveness holds in our own well-being. And while everyone’s circumstance is uniquely painful, there are few stories of forgiveness that have moved me more than that of today’s guest, a victim’s husband of the Charleston, South Carolina mass murder tragedy that rocked America in 2015. Meet Anthony Thompson.

On June 17, 2015, white supremacist Dylann Storm Roof, armed with a hidden .45-caliber Glock handgun, attended the Wednesday evening Bible study at the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston. An hour later, Rood pulled his weapon and killed nine African-American worshipers as they prayed—including Pastor Anthony Thompson’s wife, Myra.

48 hours after the shooting, during Dylann Roof’s bond hearing, Anthony Thompson and family shocked the nation when they publicly forgave Dylann for the heinous crime committed against them. In this week’s conversation, you’ll hear the powerful story firsthand, and also learn how, by the grace of God, to unlock the power of forgiveness in your own life. Many of you listening right now are holding onto unforgiveness regarding circumstances that happened years ago. And today is the day you will learn how to set yourself free from the pain and entrapment of unforgiveness, bitterness, and hate. In today’s volatile, divided culture, the answer to our pain is indeed forgiveness.

Buy the Book

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. Buy Called to Forgive now.

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“So great to find a podcast that is both encouraging and challenging! It is professionally produced, yet still has an informal feel like I’m hanging out with Chris… And frankly, I’d love to hang out with him! I really appreciate his heart and have been able to apply many of his topics in my life to help me grow professionally, physically, and relationally. A+!”