Forgive, but don't forget...

Forgiving and asking for forgiveness are divine qualities, and so is the apology coming from the Archbishop.

When the Pope, at the turn of the millennium in 2001, apologised to the entire humankind for any excesses committed by Christians throughout history, anywhere, anytime, I think he had in mind a closure for all such grievances and injustices, so as to pave the way for permanent interfaith peace.

The fact that Rev Justin Welby prostrated at Jallianwala Bagh memorial in full public view hardly leaves any ground for more politics on the issue.

Also, the present British government has many members of Indian origin, making a public apology after 100 years almost infructuous.

The Church's response, as articulated by the Archbishop, has come rather late in the day, but it can't be dismissed as insignificant.

J Akshay, Bengaluru