Sanija Ameti’s post hurt me, but being a Christian means forgiving

In Switzerland, politician Sanija Ameti caused a scandal last weekend when she shot a picture of Mary with the baby Jesus and then published it on social media.

Ms Ameti deleted the post and apologised. Nevertheless, the incident caused a media controversy and has had consequences: she has lost her job and is facing expulsion proceedings from her party, the Green Liberals.

Ms Ameti’s actions leave one perplexed and stunned. Did she really not realise what such an act means for people of faith? And quite apart from the religious dimension, why would anyone shoot at a picture of a mother and child?

If our forgiveness is to reflect God’s forgiveness, then it is not tied to the other person’s remorse. It is a gift that we give to the other person because an even greater gift has been made possible for us. However, what the other person does with our outstretched hand is not in our power, because forgiveness is a relational act.

The question of consequences can remain important regardless of this. But at least in this case, we have no right to it as those not affected.

Mrs Ameti: You have asked for forgiveness. For my part, as a Christian, I want to forgive you from the bottom of my heart. What you did irritated and hurt me too, but I won’t hold it against you.

Andi Bachmann-Roth, co-secretary general of the Swiss Evangelical Alliance (SEA). Read this article in German on the SEA Instagram profile.