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.
Witness the Power of Forgiveness through the Charleston
Church Shooting
On June 17, 2015, Dylann Roof, a young white man, attended the
Wednesday evening Bible study at the predominantly black Emanuel
AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. An hour later, Roof
pulled a concealed weapon and killed nine African-Americans as they
prayed, including Myra Thompson, the wife of Reverend Anthony
Thompson. Myra's murder devastated Anthony, yet he chose to
privately and publicly forgive the shooter.
Many in the church and community still struggle to understand
Reverend Thompson's deliberate choice to forgive the racist
murderer. But as Charlestonians witnessed this incredible act of
forgiveness, something significant happened within the community.
Instead of the expected racial riots in the aftermath of the
shooting, black and white leaders and residents united, coming
together peaceably and even showing acts of selfless love.
This book is the account of Reverend Thompson's wife's murder, the
grief he experienced, and the radical choice to forgive the killer.
But beyond that, Reverend Thompson casts a compelling vision of the
power of forgiveness to transform our lives--personally, in our
communities, and even in our nation.
Be inspired by this remarkable story and discover how the difficult
decision to forgive can become the key to radical change.
The Reverend Anthony Batiste Thompson is the pastor of Holy
Trinity Reformed Episcopal Church of Charleston. The Reverend
Thompson was married to the late Myra Thompson. They have three
children and six grandchildren.
Denise George is the author/coauthor of thirty-one books.
She is married to Dr. Timothy George. They have two grown children
and one toddler grandson. George has served as founding director of
LifeWay's Women's Ministry program and adjunct instructor at Beeson
Divinity School.
The Reverend Anthony Batiste Thompson is the pastor of
Holy Trinity Reformed Episcopal Church of Charleston. The Reverend
Thompson was married to the late Myra Thompson. They have three
children and six grandchildren.
Denise George is the author/coauthor of thirty-one books. She
is married to Dr. Timothy George. They have two grown children and
one toddler grandson. George has served as founding director of
LifeWay's Women's Ministry program and adjunct instructor at Beeson
Divinity School.