Operation Forgiveness

Operation Forgiveness Equips young people with the power of forgiveness. It starts with the story of a boy called Zac, who at 15 had his whole life in front of him.

But in 2010, the day after Zac had given a speech at a conference about youth violence, he was stabbed to death outside his school by a group of boys he didn’t know. Zac is one of many young people in London whose lives are violently cut short every year. In recent years, the capital has seen some of its highest ever rates of teenage murders.

Stories like Zac’s make the headlines but often tell little of the devastating ripple effects felt by family, friends and the wider community. In the midst of the grief and pain after Zac’s death, his mother Sarah and sister Tayo were confronted with a question…

HOW WOULD THEY RESPOND TO THE BOYS WHO TOOK ZAC’S LIFE?

Through Operation Forgiveness, Sarah and Tayo describe the devastating impact of Zac’s death, but also how they each came toforgive the boys who murdered him. They describe the impact of their Christian faith in their two very different journeys to forgiveness – and that although forgiveness can be difficult, it is ultimately liberating. By hearing their powerful stories, children are encouraged to explore what it means to forgive and how forgiveness can resolve anger towards others before it spirals out of control.

Operation Forgiveness is an interactive one-day session, delivered by local churches to local schools.

Reflect: Children are given time to reflect on what they’ve heard and invited to privately write down their responses.

Discuss: Children share perspectives on the value of life in discussion with Operation Forgiveness volunteers.

Forgive: They’re given the opportunity to forgive someone who has hurt them.

Create: In group discussions children are encouraged to think about the dangers of carrying a knife – and of creative ideas for tackling knife crime.

Trained Operation Forgiveness volunteers create a safe, trauma-aware environment, alongside teaching staff, for children to positively engage with the topic of knife crime.

About us

Operation Forgiveness is an early intervention knife-crime initiative, delivered by local churches to local schools. Operation Forgiveness is part of London City Mission. Find out more at lcm.org.uk

Registered Charity No. 247186

Something happens when you hear a story like Zac’s. It stays with you and can have a profound, positive impact for years to come.

We see the impact on every child who’s been involved with Operation Forgiveness.

Our vision is for every child across London to hear Zac’s story and ultimately to discover that forgiveness is something they can make a central part of their lives. And that more children can thrive as a result, unaffected by knife crime.

By giving to Operation Forgiveness, you are making an impact that can change lives.

Operation Forgiveness is part of London City Mission. Your donation will be made to London City Mission, with 100% of your gift contributing to the work of Operation Forgiveness.

Donate here: https://www.lcm.org.uk/get-involved/operation-forgiveness/