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In the new PBS film Forgiveness: A Time to Love and a Time to Hate, acclaimed writer, producer and director Helen Whitney explores a compelling range of stories, from personal betrayal to global reconciliation after genocide.
Terri Jentz's story of an attack perpetrated against her when she was a college student is spotlighted in the film.
Once a uniquely religious word, forgiveness now is changing and there is no consensus about what it is and what it is becoming. However you define forgiveness, its power is real — and never more so when it struggles with the unforgivable. Inevitably, as Whitney reveals, its new role in the world raises serious and complex questions: why is forgiveness in the air today; what does that say about us and the times we live in; what are its power, its limitations and in some instances its dangers; has it been cheapened or deepened... or both?
The film examines Daniel Glick and his children’s experience of being left by his then wife, Liesbeth Gerritsen."If we really want to love we must learn how to forgive."
–Mother Teresa
People across the globe, from all cultures and traditions, embrace love and forgiveness in daily life. These values are universally viewed as central to the fabric of humanity. Yet, the emerging global community has few institutions dedicated to deepening the understanding and spreading the application of these values. In this context, the Fetzer Institute pursues a unique role—working to investigate, activate, and celebrate the power of love and forgiveness as a practical force for good in today’s world.
The Fetzer Institute launched The Campaign for Love and Forgiveness in 2006 as an experiment in capacity building and community building at the grassroots level. The campaign has touched thousands of people by inviting them to bring love and forgiveness to the center of individual and community life.
Forgiveness: A Time to Love and a Time to Hate is designed to encourage contemplation and spark conversation. The Institute invites viewers to engage with additional resources developed by The Campaign for Love and Forgiveness including curriculum-based conversations and activities.
Forgiveness: A Time to Love and a Time to Hate is written, produced and directed by Helen Whitney. Executive producers are Paul Dietrich and Ian Watson. WETA executive producers are Dalton Delan and David S. Thompson.
Download the
Conversations About Forgiveness Facilitator Guide (6.1 MB)
for information, suggestions, and tools for facilitating conversations about forgiveness in your community, organization, or school.
- Filmmaker Helen Whitney discusses her latest project, Forgiveness: A Time to Love and A Time to Hate.
- Helen Whitney discusses her hopes for Forgiveness: A Time to Love and A Time to Hate.
- Author Terri Jentz tells her personal story of being savagely attacked while camping as a college student, her search for her attacker and justice, and, ultimately, her journey from denial and depression to righteous anger and health.
- 1960's anti-war activist Kathy Power talks about her surrender to authorities after decades on the run, her imprisonment and search for forgiveness from the Schroeder family.
- Hear the story of Dan Glick and his former wife Liesbeth Gerritsen, whose family is torn apart by Liesbeth's decision to leave to start a new life thousands of miles away. Her family grapples with the idea of Forgiveness.
- The Rwandan genocide of 1994 is examined through first-hand witness testimony. It brings up the question, can forgiveness can be legislated by a nation.
