In this collection of essays theologians debate forgiveness first as a theological concept, looking at Christology and atonement, ecclesiology, the liturgical mediation of forgiveness and the relationship between divine and human forgiving. Forgiveness is also considered in relation to shame, sin and guilt. Then forgiveness is discussed and applied to practical contemporary situations, as the contributors engage with the secular disciplines on the subject. There are specific situations in both the public and private spheres where forgiveness is both urgent and problematic, for example, in South Africa and Northern Ireland, and in the context of child abuse.